Nigeria to Evacuate More Citizens from South Africa

The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced plans to evacuate more citizens from South Africa, as disclosed by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa. The returnees will arrive at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos via South African Airways, with the flight departing from Oliver Tambo Airport in Johannesburg at 3:35 p.m. local time and expected to land in Lagos at approximately 8:45 p.m.

This evacuation is part of a voluntary repatriation program that has already seen nearly 1,490 Nigerians return home due to Afrophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments. The initiative was made possible through the intervention and sponsorship of air tickets by private individuals.

Ebienfa emphasized the government's commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad, underlining the importance of Nigerians in the diaspora to national development. He also urged corporate organizations and state governments to support similar efforts.

The Nigerian government plans to engage with South African authorities to address the root causes of Afrophobia and prevent future attacks against Nigerians.