By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Government has announced the return of 83 Nigerian nationals from South Africa amid concerns over rising Afrophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the latest batch of returnees is expected to arrive at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, aboard South African Airways.
According to the ministry, the returnees will depart Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, at 3:35 p.m. local time and are expected to arrive in Lagos at about 8:45 p.m. the same day.
The ministry disclosed that the latest repatriation was made possible through the intervention and sponsorship of air tickets by public-spirited private individuals.
It said the development followed the conclusion of the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation programme, which facilitated the return of nearly 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa amid increasing cases of Afrophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments.
The government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of Nigerians at home and abroad, stressing that citizens in the diaspora remain critical assets to national development.
The ministry said the government’s Citizen Diplomacy agenda would continue to prioritise the protection and well-being of Nigerians abroad while strengthening efforts to address challenges confronting them in host countries.
It commended the individuals and philanthropists who sponsored the latest repatriation, describing their intervention as an example of the “whole of society approach” and public-private collaboration being promoted by the government.
The ministry also called on the organized private sector, corporate organizations, state governments and other well-meaning Nigerians in the country and abroad to support efforts aimed at responding effectively to consular emergencies.
It further said the Federal Government would deepen strategic engagement with South Africa and other host countries to tackle the root causes of Afrophobia and prevent violence and discrimination against Nigerians.
The government also stressed the need for perpetrators of such attacks to be held accountable, while urging stronger cooperation to ensure the safety and dignity of Nigerians living in South Africa.
