A fresh batch of 83 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa is due to land in Lagos this evening. The flight arrives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the arrival in a statement issued on Monday.
The returnees are travelling aboard South African Airways. They departed Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 3.35pm local time. Arrival in Lagos is expected around 8.45pm.
Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa gave more detail on the arrangement. This latest group of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa owes their journey home to private sponsors. He described the gesture as an act of generosity the federal government appreciates deeply.
The arrival follows a voluntary repatriation programme that has now ended. That effort brought back nearly 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa in recent months. It was launched as Afrophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiment spread across several provinces.
Tensions over undocumented migration in South Africa remain high. The anti-immigration movement March and March has set a fresh deadline. It wants undocumented foreigners to leave the country by 30 September.
The group made its announcement outside a regional summit in Durban. Leaders from sixteen Southern African Development Community states had gathered there. March and March described its planned demonstration as the mother of all protests.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the same summit this week. He said his country should be deeply ashamed of the mistreatment some migrants have suffered. He criticised attacks and threats that have forced foreigners to flee their adopted homes.
Nigerians evacuated from South Africa in recent months often cite fear as their reason for leaving. Harassment and violence have pushed many out of businesses they built for years. Some arrive at the Lagos airport carrying only hand luggage.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it remains committed to protecting Nigerians living abroad. It called on corporate organisations and state governments to support future evacuation efforts. Philanthropists have also been urged to step forward.
Officials describe Nigerians in the diaspora as a critical asset for national development. The ministry said this is not a burden but an opportunity. Its citizen diplomacy agenda will continue to prioritise their safety.
Families of the Nigerians evacuated from South Africa have been asked to gather at the airport this evening. Immigration officers and welfare agencies will receive the group on arrival. Returnees will then proceed to their various states.
The federal government has not said whether more evacuation flights are planned. Officials confirmed that further groups of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa could follow if sponsors come forward. Many citizens remain stranded there awaiting similar help.
