The first batch of Nigerians being repatriated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday morning.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, the returnees will be transported aboard an Air Peace flight scheduled to depart O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night.
The statement added that the aircraft is expected to arrive in Lagos at about 5 a.m. on Thursday.
Ebienfa noted that the federal government has fully funded the repatriation exercise and has put in place the necessary reception and support arrangements for the returnees.
“Upon arrival, the evacuees will undergo documentation and profiling procedures and will receive the appropriate assistance and support before being reunited with their families,” the statement added.
The repatriation flight, initially scheduled for Monday, was later moved to Wednesday over what Ebienfa described as “unforeseen logistical considerations”.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, later said the flights were delayed to complete documentation and screening in cooperation with South African authorities.
Over 1,000 Nigerians in South Africa were said to have partaken in the screening exercise, but Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the figures keep increasing.
Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria said it had “negotiated waivers with host authorities” so that those with “immigration-related offences” would be allowed to leave on the eventual repatriation flights rather than be detained.
At least 270 Nigerians are expected to comprise the first batch.
The evacuation is being conducted with the National Emergency Management Agency and other government agencies.
The repatriation exercise follows concerns over attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting Nigerian authorities to facilitate the voluntary return of affected citizens.
The Federal Government had earlier assured Nigerians in South Africa of its commitment to their safety and welfare while working with relevant authorities to address the situation.
