The first batch of Nigerians numbering 268 evacuated from South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks has arrived Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Thursday aboard an Air Peace flight.
Penpushing reports that the flight was arranged as part of the Nigerian Government’s repatriation efforts, while it would be recalled that the evacuation flight, originally scheduled to depart on Monday, was delayed to Wednesday due to documentation and processing issues before eventually taking off.
The latest repatriation exercise follows growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa, where reports of xenophobic violence have prompted many foreign nationals to seek assistance to return to their home countries.
Penpushing further reports that Nigerian government had said more than 1,000 Nigerians have indicated their willingness to leave South Africa and return home, with additional evacuation flights expected in the coming days.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had earlier disclosed that the number of Nigerians requesting repatriation was steadily increasing, pointing out that the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria had engaged South African authorities to facilitate the return of affected citizens, including those facing immigration-related issues.
Penpushing also reports that Odumegwu-Ojukwu, explained that arrangements were made to ensure that Nigerians with unresolved immigration concerns would be allowed to depart on evacuation flights rather than face detention.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs In a statement on Wednesday said the extension reflected the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare and interests of Nigerians abroad.
“This underscores the priority accorded to the protection of Nigerian citizens overseas, which remains a central pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy and a core responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the statement reads.
Penpushing reports that the arrival of the first batch marks the beginning of what officials describe as a broader effort to assist Nigerians affected by the unrest and ensure their safe return home.
Meanwhile, the exercise, initially scheduled to end over the weekend, was later extended to accommodate the growing number of applicants.
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