The Federal Government has announced plans to repatriate another 83 Nigerians from South Africa on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, amid concerns over Afrophobic attacks and increasing hostility towards foreign nationals.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made this known in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, the returnees will depart Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, at approximately 3:35 p.m. local time aboard a South African Airways flight and are expected to arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 8:45 p.m. the same day.
The ministry explained that the latest evacuation was facilitated by private individuals who sponsored the air tickets for the returnees.
“The Ministry wishes to note that this latest cohort of returnees is facilitated through the kind intervention and sponsorship of tickets by public-spirited private individuals, whose generosity the Federal Government acknowledges with profound gratitude,” the statement said.
The latest return brings renewed attention to the government’s voluntary evacuation programme, through which nearly 1,490 Nigerians were brought back from South Africa amid concerns over attacks, discrimination and hostility towards foreign nationals.
The ministry said President Bola Tinubu’s administration remained committed to protecting the welfare, dignity and interests of Nigerians at home and abroad.
It added that the government’s Citizen Diplomacy policy views Nigerians living overseas “not as a burden, but as critical assets for national development,” while their safety and well-being remain a priority.
The ministry commended the individuals and philanthropists who provided financial assistance for the latest evacuation, describing their intervention as an example of the “whole-of-society approach” being promoted by the government.
“The Ministry commends their patriotism and selflessness, which have significantly alleviated the plight of our compatriots in South Africa,” it added.
The Federal Government urged the organised private sector, corporate organisations, state governments, philanthropists and Nigerians at home and abroad to support initiatives assisting citizens who encounter emergencies outside the country.
According to the ministry, stronger collaboration would improve Nigeria’s capacity to respond quickly to consular emergencies and protect citizens in distress.
It also said Nigeria would sustain diplomatic discussions with South Africa to tackle the underlying causes of Afrophobia and prevent further attacks against Nigerians and other Africans.
“The government remains committed to deepening strategic partnerships with host nations, including South Africa, to address the root causes of Afrophobia and ensure that such acts of violence and discrimination against Nigerians are prevented and are strongly condemned when they occur, including holding perpetrators of such violence to account,” the ministry stated.
The ministry again thanked the private sponsors who funded the latest evacuation and encouraged other stakeholders to support measures aimed at protecting Nigerians living and working abroad.
