JUST IN: FG Postpones Evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa Amid Xenophobia

The Federal Government has altered its timeline for repatriating Nigerian nationals fleeing the escalating wave of anti-foreigner violence in South Africa.

The initial phase of the emergency airlifting, which was planned to commence immediately, has now been pushed back to a later date due to unexpected administrative and operational challenges. 

Confirming the adjustments, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, released an official update clarifying that the departure of the first batch of returnees has been shifted from its Monday timeline to Wednesday.

He attributed the setback strictly to logistical issues encountered during the planning phases.

According to the foreign ministry, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave executive clearance for five repatriation flights to facilitate the safe return of affected citizens. The operations will be fully handled by Air Peace, a prominent private Nigerian airline.

The primary aircraft assigned for the debut flight is slated to carry roughly 270 citizens out of Johannesburg on Wednesday evening, provided all diplomatic clearances and aviation landing rights are sorted out before nightfall. 

The administrative delay has, however, given authorities more time to expand their profiling and documentation operations. The government announced that the evaluation process for individuals requesting emergency evacuation has also been extended until Wednesday to accommodate more stranded citizens. 

Ebienfa stated: “I received confirmation from our Mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise of Nigerian nationals, who have indicated interest to be evacuated back home, has been extended to Wednesday.”

He further added that, “So far, more than 500 persons have been screened and cleared.”