The Federal Government has confirmed that the first group of Nigerians affected by recent xenophobic a.ttacks in South Africa will be flown back home on a government-sponsored evacuation flight scheduled to arrive in Lagos on Thursday morning.
The disclosure was made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, the returnees are expected to leave Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night aboard an Air Peace aircraft and land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, by 5:00 a.m. on Thursday.
The government emphasized that the evacuation exercise is being financed entirely by the Federal Government, ensuring that none of the affected Nigerians will be required to pay for their journey back home.
“The first batch of Nigerian nationals that will be evacuated from the Republic of South Africa due to xenophobic attacks will depart the Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg Wednesday night, and the expected time of arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos is 5.00am on Thursday morning.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has fully funded the evacuation exercise; consequently, all affected Nigerians will be repatriated at no cost to them.”
The ministry also stated that arrangements have been concluded to receive the evacuees and assist them with their reintegration upon arrival.
It added that relevant ministries, departments and agencies have been placed on standby to provide the necessary support and ensure a smooth transition for the returning citizens.
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