Xenophobia: Nigerian returnees hit 1,476 as 83 more voluntarily return from South Africa

Another batch of 83 Nigerians has voluntarily returned to Nigeria from South Africa following concerns over xenophobic attacks and the safety of Nigerians living in the country.

The latest return, in addition to the previous evacuation of 1,393 citizens, brings the total number of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa due to xenophobic attacks to 1,476.

The latest repatriation was facilitated through the intervention of “good-spirited private individuals” who provided funds for the returnees’ air tickets to enable them to leave South Africa and return safely to Nigeria.

Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said in a statement that the returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, aboard a South African Airways flight from Johannesburg.

He said two officials of the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg accompanied the returnees throughout the journey.

According to him, the returnees were received at the airport by the Director of the African Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Haruna Ali-Gombe, who welcomed them on behalf of the Federal Government.

Ebienfa explained that the returnees were subsequently handed over to relevant government agencies for documentation and profiling before being reunited with their families.

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The ministry commended the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, the private sponsors and all government agencies involved in the repatriation, reception and reintegration of the returnees.

“The Federal Government remains committed to the welfare and safe return of all Nigerian citizens abroad,” the ministry said.

The latest exercise adds to previous voluntary repatriation efforts that have facilitated the return of hundreds of Nigerians from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic attacks and threats to the safety of foreign nationals.

The Government said it would continue to prioritise the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad while working with relevant authorities and stakeholders to facilitate their safe return when necessary.