The Nigerian Government has concluded arrangements to receive the first batch of Nigerians being evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed on Wednesday that the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, will receive the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The Ministry explained that the move demonstrates the importance President Bola Tinubu’s administration attaches to the welfare and protection of Nigerians living abroad, in line with its citizen-centred foreign policy.
According to the Ministry’s Spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to South Africa, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, is expected to accompany the first batch of 268 evacuees on an Air Peace evacuation flight scheduled to arrive in Lagos at about 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Ebienfa stated that Ambassador Ajayi would formally hand over the returnees to Ambassador Enikanolaiye upon arrival.
It further noted that the ongoing screening exercise being conducted by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria for citizens willing to voluntarily return home has been extended until Sunday, June 14, 2026, to enable more affected Nigerians to register for evacuation.
The Ministry explained that the extension reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that all Nigerians affected by the crisis have the opportunity to benefit from the evacuation programme.
It noted that the protection of Nigerian citizens overseas remains a central pillar of the country’s foreign policy and a key responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ministry further stated that the evacuation exercise is in line with the government’s determination to provide support, dignity and care to Nigerians impacted by crises in foreign countries.
Also, Ebienfa assured members of the public that comprehensive arrangements have been put in place by relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to facilitate the reception, documentation and reintegration of the returnees upon arrival.
The government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Nigerians abroad and pledged to continue monitoring developments in South Africa while providing necessary assistance to affected citizens.
