By Seun Ibiyemi
The Federal Government has announced plans to evacuate another 83 Nigerians from South Africa amid growing concerns over Xenophobia attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Monday signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the returnees are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
According to the ministry, the Nigerians will depart Oliver Tambo Airport, Johannesburg, at 3:35pm local time aboard South African Airways and are scheduled to arrive in Lagos at about 8:45pm.
The latest evacuation was facilitated through the intervention of private individuals who sponsored the air tickets for the returnees.
The ministry expressed appreciation to the sponsors, describing their intervention as an example of the whole-of-society approach being promoted by the Federal Government in responding to consular emergencies.
The development comes after the conclusion of the government’s voluntary repatriation programme, which saw nearly 1,490 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa amid concerns over attacks and discrimination against foreigners.
The ministry said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained committed to protecting the welfare and dignity of Nigerians both at home and abroad.
READ ALSO:EFCC commences Investigations of Suspect, $73,000, £15,957, 827,800 SAR over undeclared currency
It added that the government’s Citizen Diplomacy agenda considers Nigerians in the diaspora as “critical assets for national development” rather than a burden.
The Federal Government also called on the organised private sector, corporate organisations, state governments and other well-meaning Nigerians to support efforts to assist citizens facing consular emergencies abroad.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria would continue diplomatic engagements with South Africa to address the root causes of Afrophobia and prevent further attacks and discrimination against Nigerians.
It stressed the need for perpetrators of violence against Nigerians to be held accountable, while urging stronger cooperation between both countries.
