The first batch of 268 Nigerians fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa is expected to arrive in Lagos today as the federal government intensifies efforts to evacuate affected citizens.
The returnees are scheduled to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport aboard an Air Peace evacuation flight at about 5:00 a.m.
According to a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesperson of the ministry of foreign affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, the minister of state for foreign affairs will receive the returnees on arrival.
The ministry said Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, Nigeria’s acting high commissioner to South Africa is expected to accompany the evacuees and formally hand them over to government officials.
Ebienfa said the evacuation reflects the federal government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad and its citizen-centred foreign policy.
He also disclosed that the screening exercise for Nigerians willing to return home voluntarily has been extended until June 14 to accommodate more affected persons.
“This underscores the priority accorded to the protection of Nigerian citizens overseas, which remains a central pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy and a core responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he said.
“It also reflects the government’s determination to ensure that Nigerians affected by crises abroad receive the necessary support, dignity and care.”
The ministry added that necessary reception, documentation and support arrangements have been put in place by relevant government agencies to facilitate the return and reintegration of the evacuees.