Maha Christopher
The Federal Government has announced that the first batch of Nigerians being evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks will arrive in Lagos on Thursday.
According to Vanguard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
The ministry said the evacuees will depart Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night aboard an Air Peace flight and are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 5:00 a.m. on Thursday.
It stressed that the evacuation exercise is being fully funded by the Federal Government and that affected Nigerians will not bear any cost for their return.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has fully funded the evacuation exercise; consequently, all affected Nigerians will be repatriated at no cost to them,” the statement said.
The ministry added that arrangements have been concluded to receive and support the returnees upon arrival in Nigeria.
According to the statement, relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies have been mobilised to provide assistance, including documentation, profiling and reintegration support before the evacuees reunite with their families.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and interests of Nigerians living abroad, assuring citizens that efforts would continue to ensure their safety wherever they reside.
The evacuation follows reports of renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
