By Sharon Akuboh
The Federal Government has commenced the evacuation of Nigerian nationals stranded in the Republic of South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed on Tuesday that the first batch of affected Nigerians is scheduled to depart Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport on Wednesday night and arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, by 5:00 a.m. on Thursday.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the evacuation operation will be carried out by Air Peace Airlines as part of the government’s efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad.
The Ministry stated that the Federal Government has fully funded the evacuation exercise, assuring that all affected Nigerians will be repatriated free of charge.
“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 noted.
The Ministry further assured Nigerians that adequate arrangements have been put in place to receive and support the returnees upon arrival in the country.
It explained that relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been mobilised to facilitate the reception process, including documentation, profiling and the provision of necessary assistance before the evacuees are reunited with their families.
The government reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights, dignity and welfare of Nigerian citizens wherever they reside and pledged to continue engaging South African authorities on the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
The latest evacuation follows growing concerns over recurring incidents of xenophobic violence in South Africa, which have repeatedly affected Nigerians and other African nationals over the years.