Xenophobia: Nigeria to commence free evacuation of citizens from South Africa

Nigeria is set to evacuate over 1,000 of its citizens from South Africa, covering all flight costs in response to recent xenophobic attacks. The Nigerian government initially stated that the returning nationals would bear the expense of their flights home.

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The returnees would not make any payment and the ministry would deploy aircraft to bring them home.

However, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved funding to cover the repatriation. Kimiebi Ebienfa confirmed that returnees will not incur any charges, and aircraft will be deployed to bring them back to Nigeria. The screening process for Nigerians who registered for evacuation began on June 4 and is scheduled to conclude on Saturday.

This joint operation involves the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation, and South African police and immigration authorities. The screening aims to finalize the number of individuals cleared for evacuation before arranging flight logistics. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), reported an impressive turnout, with over 1,000 Nigerians screened and more registering, describing the exercise as smooth and professional despite the tense atmosphere.

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All things being equal, the flights are expected to commence next week through Air Peace, as President Bola Tinubu has approved funds for that purpose.

Air Peace is expected to operate the evacuation flights, with five aircraft anticipated. The first batch of evacuees is scheduled to depart for Nigeria next week, marking a significant effort by the Nigerian government to ensure the safety and return of its citizens facing xenophobic violence in South Africa.

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The turnout at the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria has been truly impressive.