The Federal Government has completed the fifth phase of its voluntary evacuation programme for Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks and worsening security concerns in South Africa, bringing the total number of citizens repatriated to 1,490.
The latest batch of returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday aboard an Air Peace flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg.
The aircraft conveyed 305 evacuees alongside three Nigerian government officials who coordinated the operation, bringing the total number of passengers on the flight to 308.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the successful conclusion of the latest evacuation exercise reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the lives and welfare of Nigerians abroad, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s Citizens’ Diplomacy policy.
According to the ministry, the evacuation programme has been implemented through a series of humanitarian flights jointly operated by Air Peace and South African Airways.
The operations began on June 10 with 258 evacuees, followed by 66 on June 24, 272 on June 30, 268 on July 2, 282 on July 9, 39 on July 11, and 305 in the latest exercise, bringing the cumulative number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa to 1,490.
The ministry explained that the evacuation was necessitated by sustained xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals, including Nigerians, and followed continuous diplomatic engagement between the Nigerian and South African governments.
It noted that the exercise was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Consulate-General in Johannesburg, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Port Health Services and other relevant agencies to ensure seamless registration, departure and reception of the returnees.
The Federal Government commended Air Peace for its patriotism and consistent support throughout the evacuation programme, describing the airline as a dependable partner in the humanitarian effort.
Reaffirming its commitment to Citizens’ Diplomacy, the government said the protection, welfare and dignity of Nigerians abroad remain at the heart of the country’s foreign policy, assuring that consular assistance would continue to be provided whenever necessary.
While acknowledging the longstanding bilateral ties between Nigeria and South Africa, the government condemned all forms of xenophobia, racial intolerance and violence against foreign nationals. It pledged to sustain diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to promote the safety and peaceful coexistence of all residents.
The ministry also urged Nigerians living abroad to remain law-abiding, register with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission and maintain regular contact with embassy officials to facilitate prompt assistance during emergencies.
It added that the returnees would receive support through relevant government agencies to aid their reintegration into society.(Firm News)
