Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government has announced the arrival of another batch of 83 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa amid rising cases of Afrophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the returnees are expected to arrive at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, aboard South African Airways.
According to a statement signed by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr, on Monday, August 17, the returnees are scheduled to depart Oliver Tambo Airport, Johannesburg, at 3:35 p.m. local time and arrive in Lagos at approximately 8:45 p.m.
The Ministry said the latest repatriation was made possible through the intervention and sponsorship of air tickets by public-spirited private individuals, whose support it described as a significant contribution to the humanitarian effort.
The development follows the conclusion of the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation programme, which facilitated the return of nearly 1,490 Nigerian citizens from South Africa.
The Ministry said the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains committed to protecting the welfare and dignity of Nigerians at home and abroad as part of its Citizen Diplomacy agenda.
It added that Nigerians in the diaspora are regarded as critical assets to national development and not a burden.
The Ministry commended the private individuals and philanthropists who contributed to the latest evacuation, describing their intervention as an example of the “whole of society approach” and public-private collaboration.
It also called on the organised private sector, corporate organisations, state governments and other well-meaning Nigerians in the country and abroad to support efforts aimed at responding effectively to consular emergencies.
The government further reaffirmed its commitment to working with South Africa and other host countries to tackle the root causes of Afrophobia, prevent violence and discrimination against Nigerians, and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
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