FG Completes South Africa Evacuation, Brings Home 1,490 Nigerians

The Federal Government has concluded the voluntary evacuation of Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks and related security concerns in South Africa, with a total of 1,490 citizens returned home in five phases.

The final batch of 305 evacuees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard an Air Peace flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg. The flight also conveyed three Nigerian government officials who coordinated the evacuation exercise.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said the completion of the exercise reflected its commitment to the protection and welfare of Nigerians abroad under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the ministry, the evacuation programme was implemented in partnership with Air Peace and South African Airways through a series of humanitarian flights that began in June.

It said the first batch of 258 Nigerians was evacuated by Air Peace on June 10, while South African Airways returned 66 citizens on June 24. Air Peace subsequently airlifted 272 Nigerians on June 30, 268 on July 2 and 282 on July 9, while South African Airways operated another flight that brought home 39 Nigerians on July 11 before the final group of 305 returnees arrived this week.

The ministry explained that the evacuation followed sustained diplomatic engagement between the Nigerian and South African governments in response to renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

It added that the exercise was jointly coordinated by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Port Health Services and other relevant agencies.

According to the statement, the agencies worked together to ensure the smooth registration, processing, departure and reception of the evacuees throughout the operation.

The Federal Government also commended Air Peace for its role in the evacuation, describing the airline’s contribution as a demonstration of patriotism and support for national humanitarian efforts.

“The evacuation exercise underscores Nigeria’s enduring commitment to Citizens’ Diplomacy, which places the protection, welfare and dignity of Nigerians abroad at the centre of the country’s foreign policy,” the ministry said.

It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing consular support and assistance to Nigerians wherever they reside whenever the need arises.

While reiterating Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic ties with South Africa, the ministry condemned xenophobia, racial intolerance and violence against foreign nationals, stressing that it would continue to engage South African authorities through diplomatic channels to promote the safety and peaceful coexistence of all residents.

The government also advised Nigerians living abroad to obey the laws of their host countries, register with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission and maintain regular contact with the missions to enable prompt assistance in emergencies.

It welcomed the returnees and assured them of continued support through relevant government agencies to facilitate their reintegration into society.