By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Government has concluded arrangements for the evacuation of Nigerian nationals affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with the first batch of returnees expected to arrive in Lagos on Thursday morning.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the evacuation flight will depart the Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night and is scheduled to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at approximately 5:00 a.m. on Thursday.
Ebienfa stated that the evacuation operation would be carried out by Air Peace Airlines and fully funded by the Federal Government, ensuring that all affected Nigerians are repatriated at no cost.
The Ministry further assured the public that adequate arrangements had been put in place to receive and support the returnees upon arrival in Nigeria.
According to the spokesperson, relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have established reception mechanisms, including documentation and profiling procedures, to facilitate the reintegration of the evacuees.
He added that the returnees would receive the necessary assistance and support before being reunited with their families.
The Ministry reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare, safety and protection of Nigerian citizens abroad, particularly in situations that threaten their well-being.
