The Federal Government has postponed the planned evacuation of Nigerians willing to return home from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks against Black foreigners in the country.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the first evacuation flight, which was initially scheduled for Monday, will now depart on Wednesday.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the adjustment was due to unforeseen logistical challenges.
He explained that President Bola Tinubu has approved a total of five evacuation flights, which will be operated by Nigerian carrier Air Peace.
The first flight is expected to airlift about 270 Nigerians from Johannesburg after all necessary approvals and clearances are completed.
Ebienfa also noted that the screening exercise for interested evacuees has been extended to Wednesday to accommodate more applicants.
“So far, more than 500 persons have been screened and cleared,” he said, adding that the mission in Pretoria confirmed the extension of the process.
The ministry further stated that the first batch is expected to depart Johannesburg on Wednesday evening, while arrangements are ongoing to ensure a safe and orderly return of all approved evacuees.
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