FG to receive 268 evacuated Nigerians returning from South Africa Thursday

The Federal Government has announced that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, will receive the first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the returnees are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 5:00 a.m. on Thursday aboard an Air Peace evacuation flight.

The ministry said the gesture reflects the importance the Federal Government attaches to the welfare of Nigerians living abroad and its commitment to a citizen-centred foreign policy.

“The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, will be at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, to receive the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria,” the statement said.

It added that the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria in Pretoria, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, is expected to accompany the first batch of 268 evacuees to Nigeria and formally hand them over to the minister upon arrival.

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The ministry also disclosed that the ongoing screening exercise being conducted by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria for citizens willing to return voluntarily has been extended to June 14, 2026, to allow more affected Nigerians to participate in the evacuation process.

According to the statement, the extension underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerians overseas, describing the protection of citizens abroad as a key pillar of the country’s foreign policy.

“The protection of Nigerian citizens overseas remains a central pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy and a core responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the ministry stated.

The government further noted that the move demonstrates its resolve to ensure that Nigerians affected by crises in foreign countries receive adequate support, dignity and care.

The ministry assured the public that comprehensive reception, documentation and reintegration arrangements have been put in place through relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to facilitate the smooth return and resettlement of the evacuees.

The latest evacuation effort comes amid continued concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting Nigerian authorities to coordinate the voluntary return of affected citizens.