The Federal Government has postponed the first evacuation flight arranged for Nigerians returning from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Monday that the flight, which was initially scheduled to leave Johannesburg on Monday, will now depart on Wednesday after the completion of operational arrangements and regulatory approvals. The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, explained that the delay was caused by logistical issues linked to the evacuation process.
“The proposed airlifting of the first batch of returnees from South Africa has been shifted to Wednesday due to unforeseen logistical considerations,” the statement said. The government said the evacuation exercise remains part of efforts to assist Nigerians who have expressed concerns about their safety amid rising tensions and attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
According to officials, President Bola Tinubu has approved five evacuation flights to support affected Nigerians willing to return home. The flights are expected to be operated by Air Peace. The ministry also announced that the screening exercise for Nigerians interested in the evacuation programme has been extended until Wednesday, June 10, to allow more people to register and complete verification.
“I received confirmation from our Mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise of Nigerian nationals who have indicated interest in being evacuated back home has been extended to Wednesday,” Ebienfa said. He stated that Nigerian officials in Pretoria were still verifying the identities of citizens seeking evacuation to ensure an organised and smooth process.The first evacuation flight is expected to transport about 270 passengers from Johannesburg to Nigeria once all necessary permits and approvals are secured.Authorities added that more than 500 Nigerians had already been screened and cleared for possible evacuation as preparations continue.
The Federal Government said it has remained in close contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions in South Africa while monitoring developments and coordinating support for affected citizens.Earlier reports showed that more than 1,000 Nigerians had shown interest in returning home due to growing anti immigrant sentiments and renewed xenophobic tensions in South Africa. The screening process for interested Nigerians reportedly began on Thursday following the government’s announcement of a voluntary repatriation programme.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Nigerian community in South Africa alleged that at least 105 Nigerians were killed in the country over a seven year period during repeated xenophobic attacks against migrants.The claim was contained in a joint statement issued by the Nigerian Union South Africa and the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa. Despite the postponement, the Federal Government assured Nigerians that the evacuation exercise had not been cancelled. Authorities said fresh updates on departure times and travel arrangements would be communicated once all preparations are completed.
