The Nigerian Government says about 700 more stranded Nigerians will be evacuated from South Africa in the coming days as efforts continue to bring home citizens affected by recent xenophobic attacks.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the returnees will arrive in three batches, with the next flight expected to bring 271 Nigerians to Lagos on Friday.
The ministry said 593 Nigerians have already been evacuated, assuring Nigerians that “all those who voluntarily registered, and have been duly screened and cleared, will be brought back safely to the country”.
It also clarified that all special evacuation flights are fully funded by the Federal Government, dismissing reports that stranded Nigerians were asked to pay to be included on the flights. The ministry described the allegations as “totally false” and urged the public to disregard them.
The ministry attributed delays in some of the evacuations to logistical challenges, adding that affected Nigerians were accommodated and cared for at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria while arrangements were being finalised.
