The Federal Government has commenced the voluntary repatriation of more than 1,000 Nigerians from South Africa, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has confirmed.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman and chief executive officer of NiDCOM, disclosed on Saturday in Abuja that the screening exercise was being conducted jointly by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs.
According to her, Saturday marked the third day of the exercise for Nigerians intending to return home voluntarily.
“The turnout at the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria has been truly impressive,” she said. “The screening started early on Saturday, and Nigerians came out in large numbers to participate in the process.”
She described the exercise as smooth, peaceful, organised, and highly professional, under the supervision of Nigeria’s acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Olatunde Ajayi.
“More than 1,000 Nigerians have registered for the voluntary evacuation, and many more are registering,” she added. “All things being equal, the flights are expected to commence next week through Air Peace, as President Bola Tinubu has approved funds for that purpose.”
Mrs Dabiri-Erewa stated that five flights would be deployed for the repatriation, with the first batch of evacuees scheduled to depart for Nigeria next week.
The repatriation follows recent anti-immigrant protests in parts of South Africa, which have raised safety concerns among foreign nationals.