First group of 270 Nigerians to return from South Africa on Thursday
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The first group of at least 270 Nigerians is scheduled to arrive in Lagos on Thursday morning, following recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the evacuees will depart Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport on Wednesday night aboard an Air Peace aircraft, landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, around 5 a.m. The Federal Government is funding the evacuation and reception of the returnees, who will undergo documentation and profiling before being reunited with their families. The repatriation was initially delayed due to logistical considerations, with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, explaining that more time was needed for documentation and screening in collaboration with South African authorities. Over 1,000 Nigerians have participated in the screening, and the number seeking repatriation is increasing. The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria also secured concessions for Nigerians with immigration-related issues, allowing them to depart through the repatriation program instead of facing detention. The National Emergency Management Agency and other government agencies are coordinating the operation, which aims to assist Nigerian citizens wishing to leave South Africa due to concerns over attacks on foreign nationals.
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