83 Nigerians To Return From South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks

Eighty-three Nigerians are expected to arrive in Lagos from South Africa on Wednesday following concerns over rising xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the returnees would depart Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 3:35pm local time and arrive at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 8:45pm.

In a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the latest repatriation was facilitated through the intervention and sponsorship of public-spirited private individuals who provided funds for the returnees’ air tickets.

The development comes after the Federal Government concluded its voluntary repatriation programme, which brought nearly 1,500 Nigerians back home from South Africa amid rising concerns over xenophobic attacks.

The ministry said the government remained committed to protecting the welfare and dignity of Nigerians both at home and abroad.

“In line with its Citizen Diplomacy agenda, the government views Nigerians in the diaspora not as a burden, but as critical assets for national development, and is dedicated to ensuring their protection and well-being,” the statement said.

The ministry expressed appreciation to the private individuals and philanthropists who supported the latest repatriation exercise.

It described their intervention as an example of the “whole of society approach” and public-private collaboration in responding to challenges affecting Nigerians abroad.

The government urged the organised private sector, corporate organisations, state governments and other well-meaning Nigerians in the country and abroad to support similar humanitarian initiatives.

The ministry said collective efforts would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to respond to consular emergencies involving its citizens overseas.

It also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working with South Africa and other host countries to address the root causes of Afrophobia.

The government said it would continue to push for measures to prevent violence and discrimination against Nigerians and ensure that such incidents were strongly condemned whenever they occurred.