FG to Receive Returnees from South Africa as 268 Nigerians Arrive Lagos Thursday

The Federal Government has announced that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, will on Thursday receive Nigerian returnees evacuated from South Africa at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, in response to ongoing xenophobic attacks.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr, the Minister will represent the Federal Government at the reception of the returnees, in line with Nigeria’s citizen-centred foreign policy and commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad.

The Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria in Pretoria, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, is expected to accompany the first batch of 268 passengers aboard an evacuation flight operated by Air Peace Airlines, scheduled to arrive at approximately 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

The Ministry explained that the evacuation forms part of ongoing efforts to assist Nigerians affected by xenophobic violence in South Africa, reinforcing government’s commitment to the protection and dignity of its citizens overseas.

It further disclosed that the screening exercise conducted by the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria for nationals willing to voluntarily return has been extended to Sunday, June 14, 2026, to accommodate more applicants.

“The ongoing exercise underscores the priority accorded to the protection of Nigerian citizens overseas, which remains a central pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy and a core responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the statement read.

The Ministry also assured that comprehensive reception, documentation, and support arrangements have been put in place by relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure proper reintegration and welfare support for the returnees upon arrival.