83 Nigerians Repatriated from South Africa Return to Lagos

By Cynthia Okere, Lagos

Another batch of 83 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa returned to Lagos on Wednesday, August 19, as Nigeria continued efforts to assist citizens affected by growing anti-foreigner tensions in South Africa.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had announced that the Nigerians would travel aboard a South African Airways flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

According to the ministry, the flight was scheduled to depart Johannesburg at about 3:35 p.m. local time and arrive in Lagos at approximately 8:45 p.m.

The ministry said the return of the 83 Nigerians was made possible through the intervention of private individuals who sponsored their flight tickets.

It expressed appreciation to the individuals for supporting the affected Nigerians, describing the intervention as an example of cooperation between government and members of the public in responding to consular emergencies.

The latest repatriation comes after the conclusion of an earlier Government voluntary repatriation programme under which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said nearly 1,490 Nigerians returned from South Africa.

The exercise followed concerns over Afrophobic attacks and growing anti-foreigner sentiments affecting Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa.

The Nigerian Government said it remains committed to protecting the welfare and dignity of Nigerians abroad through its Citizen Diplomacy policy.

The ministry also called on corporate organisations, state governments, the organised private sector and other Nigerians to support government efforts in responding to emergencies involving citizens outside the country.