ABUJA – The Federal Government has completed the fifth phase of the voluntary evacuation of Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks and other security concerns in South Africa, bringing the total number of returnees to 1,490, Demographics reports.
According to a statement signed by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the latest evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace, departed O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 6:30 a.m. South African time on Wednesday, July 15, and arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at 11:30 a.m.
The aircraft conveyed 308 passengers, comprising 305 returnees and three Nigerian government officials who coordinated and supervised the evacuation exercise.
The ministry said the operation followed sustained diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the South African Government in response to security concerns arising from xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
According to Demographics, a total of 1,490 Nigerians have now been evacuated through a series of humanitarian flights jointly operated by Air Peace and South African Airways. The flights returned 258 Nigerians on June 10, 66 on June 24, 272 on June 30, 268 on July 2, 282 on July 9, 39 on July 11 and 305 on July 15.
The statement said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinated the evacuation in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Consulate General in Johannesburg, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Port Health Services and other relevant agencies.
The Federal Government commended Air Peace for its continued support and patriotism throughout the evacuation programme.
It noted that the exercise reflects Nigeria’s Citizens’ Diplomacy policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places priority on the protection, welfare and dignity of Nigerians living abroad.
While reaffirming Nigeria’s strong bilateral relations with South Africa, the government condemned all forms of xenophobia, racial intolerance and violence against foreign nationals, stressing that it would continue diplomatic engagement with the South African authorities to promote the safety and peaceful coexistence of all residents.
The ministry also urged Nigerians residing abroad to obey the laws of their host countries, register with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission and maintain regular contact with the missions to facilitate timely consular assistance whenever necessary.
The Federal Government welcomed the returnees and assured them of continued support through relevant government agencies to facilitate their reintegration into society.
Leave a comment