Eighty-Three Nigerians Set to Arrive from South Africa This Wednesday Amidst Afrophobic Attacks

The Nigerian Federal Government has confirmed the impending arrival of an additional group of 83 citizens being evacuated from South Africa. This development comes as the nation continues to grapple with increasing Afrophobic incidents and anti-foreigner sentiments in the host country. According to a statement released on Monday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, these returnees are scheduled to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The Ministry elaborated that the flight carrying these individuals will depart from Oliver Tambo Airport in Johannesburg at 3:35 PM local time, aboard a South African Airways aircraft. Their estimated arrival in Lagos is approximately 8:45 PM on the same day. This particular repatriation exercise was made possible through the generous support and ticket sponsorship provided by concerned private citizens.

Acknowledging this support, the Ministry stated: “The Ministry wishes to note that this latest cohort of returnees is facilitated through the kind intervention and sponsorship of tickets by public-spirited private individuals, whose generosity the Federal Government acknowledges with profound gratitude.” This latest effort follows the conclusion of the government's broader voluntary repatriation initiative, which previously saw nearly 1,490 Nigerians brought back from South Africa amidst ongoing concerns regarding attacks and discrimination faced by foreign nationals. The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of all Nigerians, both within the country and abroad.

Emphasizing its “Citizen Diplomacy” agenda, the Ministry highlighted that it views Nigerians residing in the diaspora “not as a burden, but as critical assets for national development,” underscoring its dedication to ensuring their safety and well-being.

Furthermore, the Ministry lauded the private individuals and philanthropists who contributed to this recent evacuation, describing their involvement as a prime example of the “whole-of-society approach” championed by the current administration. The statement read: “The Ministry commends their patriotism and selflessness, which have significantly alleviated the plight of our compatriots in South Africa.”

The Federal Government appealed to the organised private sector, corporate entities, state governments, and other benevolent Nigerians at home and abroad to emulate this initiative and support governmental efforts in responding to consular emergencies.

The Ministry also affirmed that the government would continue to bolster diplomatic engagements with South Africa. This is aimed at addressing the fundamental causes of Afrophobia and preventing further attacks and discrimination against Nigerian citizens. It declared: “The government remains committed to deepening strategic partnerships with host nations, including South Africa, to address the root causes of Afrophobia and ensure that such acts of violence and discrimination against Nigerians are prevented and are strongly condemned when they occur, including holding perpetrators of such violence to account.”

Concluding its statement, the Ministry conveyed profound appreciation to the private sponsors for their invaluable support and called for enhanced collaboration to fortify Nigeria's capacity to protect its citizens living overseas.