The Federal Government has announced that a new group of 88 Nigerians will arrive in Lagos from South Africa today, as part of an ongoing initiative to support citizens affected by rising anti-foreigner sentiment in the country.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these returnees will be flying with South African Airways from Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos. A statement from ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa on Wednesday noted that the flight is scheduled to depart Johannesburg at 3:35 p.m. local time and is expected to land in Lagos around 8:45 p.m.
This number marks an increase over the 83 Nigerians initially expected to return.
The ministry revealed that this latest repatriation was facilitated through the support of private individuals who covered the airfare for the returning Nigerians. The Federal Government expressed gratitude to these sponsors, highlighting their contribution as a significant humanitarian effort.
This move follows the government’s completion of an earlier voluntary repatriation program, which brought back nearly 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa amid concerns about Afrophobic attacks and escalating anti-foreigner sentiment.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that under President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government remains dedicated to safeguarding the welfare, safety, and dignity of Nigerians both domestically and internationally. The ministry’s Citizen Diplomacy policy values Nigerians in the diaspora as key contributors to national development.
The government pledged continued efforts to protect citizens and respond to consular emergencies as needed.
The ministry commended the individuals and philanthropists who financially assisted with this repatriation effort, illustrating the importance of collaboration between the government and private citizens in addressing emergencies involving Nigerians overseas.
The government encouraged businesses, corporate organizations, state governments, and other Nigerians at home and abroad to back similar humanitarian initiatives. Stronger societal cooperation is seen as crucial for enhancing Nigeria’s ability to respond promptly and effectively when citizens face serious consular issues abroad.
