The Federal Government has postponed the evacuation of Nigerian citizens from South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the airlifting of the first batch of returnees, initially scheduled for Monday, has been shifted to Wednesday due to logistical arrangements.
A statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that President Bola Tinubu had approved five evacuation flights to be operated by a Nigerian private airline, Air Peace.
The first flight is expected to convey about 270 Nigerians from Johannesburg once all necessary clearances and permits are completed.
The government also extended the ongoing screening process for Nigerians willing to return home, noting that more than 500 people have already been registered and cleared for evacuation.
Officials explained that the adjustment was necessary to ensure proper coordination and safe transportation of affected citizens back to Nigeria.
The evacuation exercise is part of government efforts to respond to the recent attacks on foreigners in South Africa and provide assistance to Nigerians affected by the situation.
