The Federal Government on Wednesday completed the evacuation of Nigerians displaced by xenophobic attacks in South Africa with the arrival of the last repatriation flight conveying 308 returnees to the country.
The aircraft touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 11:30 a.m. Also on board were three government officials who had been involved in coordinating the evacuation operation.
The arrival of the final group brings the total number of Nigerians evacuated under the Federal Government’s emergency repatriation programme to more than 1,500.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the successful conclusion of the exercise underscored President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and welfare of Nigerians living abroad.
She said the President’s intervention ensured the safe return of citizens who were affected by the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
According to the minister, Tinubu’s decision to extend the evacuation beyond the June 30 deadline earlier issued by anti-migrant groups in South Africa demonstrated his resolve to protect Nigerians facing crisis situations outside the country.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu welcomed the returnees on their arrival and praised officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, alongside other government agencies, for their efforts in coordinating the evacuation process.
She also urged the returnees to take advantage of available government support as they reintegrate into society.
The Federal Government initiated the evacuation exercise after renewed xenophobic attacks in parts of South Africa prompted many Nigerians to seek assistance to return home.
