The Nigerian Government has approved five evacuation flights to facilitate the return of Nigerians in South Africa who have indicated interest in coming back home, as screening of prospective returnees continues in Pretoria.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed on Sunday that the screening exercise, initially scheduled to end earlier, has now been extended until June 10, 2026, to accommodate more Nigerians seeking evacuation.
According to the ministry, more than 500 Nigerian nationals have so far been screened and cleared for repatriation.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the decision to extend the exercise followed ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to ensure that all eligible citizens are captured in the evacuation process.
Ebienfa stated that President Bola Tinubu had approved five evacuation flights to be operated by Air Peace as part of measures to support Nigerians willing to return from South Africa.
He explained that the first flight is expected to depart Johannesburg on Monday evening and will airlift about 270 passengers, subject to the receipt of the necessary aviation permits and operational clearances.
“I just received confirmation from our Mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise of Nigerian nationals that have indicated interest to be evacuated back home has been extended to Wednesday 10th June, 2026. So far, over 500 persons has been screened and cleared,” Ebienfa said.
He added, “Mr. President has approved 5 evacuation flights that will be operated by Air Peace and the first flight which will airlift about 270 passengers is expected to leave Johannesburg on Monday evening if the necessary permits and clearance are secured for the aircraft.”
The ministry noted that details regarding the departure schedule and estimated arrival time in Lagos would be communicated once updates are received from Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in South Africa.
“Departure time and estimated time of arrival in Lagos, Nigeria will be provided when I receive updates from our High Commission in South Africa,” Ebienfa added.
The evacuation exercise forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to provide assistance and support to Nigerians in troubled SA who wish to return home.
