The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has stated that 83 more Nigerians would be evacuated from South Africa as a result of the recent wave of xenophobic attacks against foreigners, especially Nigerians.
This development was made known in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding that it was facilitated as a result of the intervention and contribution of flight tickets by private individuals.
The statement reads, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce that a new batch of 83 Nigerian nationals will arrive at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, via South African Airways.
“They are expected to depart the Oliver Tambo Airport in Johannesburg at 3.35pm local time to arrive Lagos at approximately 08.45pm the same day.
“The Ministry wishes to note that this latest cohort of returnees is facilitated through the kind intervention and sponsorship of tickets by public-spirited private individuals, whose generosity the federal government acknowledges with profound gratitude.”
This recent batch follows the nearly 1,490 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa over rising xenophobic attacks now tagged 'Afrophobic'.
The statement noted that President Bola Tinubu remained dedicated to protecting the lives of Nigerians at home and abroad, stating, “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 ministry stated that the FGN would continue to partner with South Africa to address Afrophobia, thereby preventing discrimination and possible violence against Nigerians.
More details later.
