The Federal Government has announced that the first group of Nigerians being evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks will arrive in Lagos on Thursday.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, saying the evacuation exercise was being coordinated by the government to ensure the safe return of affected citizens.
According to the ministry, the evacuees are scheduled to depart Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport on Wednesday night aboard an Air Peace flight.
The returnees are expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 5 a.m. on Thursday.
The ministry stated that the evacuation operation is being fully financed by the Federal Government, stressing that none of the affected Nigerians would be required to pay for their transportation back home.
It added that arrangements had been concluded to receive the returnees and provide them with the necessary assistance upon arrival in Nigeria.
The statement noted that relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies had been mobilised to carry out documentation, profiling and other support services before the evacuees are reunited with their families.
The ministry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare, safety and interests of Nigerians living abroad, particularly in times of crisis.
