First batch of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa to arrive Lagos on Thursday- FG

The first batch of Nigerians to be repatriated from South Africa following the xenophobic attacks will arrive at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos on Thursday morning, June 11.

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement released on Tuesday, June 9. He mentioned that the  Air Peace flight will depart the Oliver Thambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night and arrive Nigeria by 5am on Thursday.

Ebienfa noted that the federal government has fully funded the repatriation exercise and has put in place the necessary reception and support arrangements for the returnees.

“Upon arrival, the evacuees will undergo documentation and profiling procedures and will receive the appropriate assistance and support before being reunited with their families,” the statement read

The repatriation flight, initially scheduled for Monday, was later moved to Wednesday over what Ebienfa described as “unforeseen logistical considerations”.

Over 1,000 Nigerians in South Africa have signified interest in returning home.