LIFESTYLE Culture

South Africa: Nigeria to Evacuate 83 Amid Rising Afrophobia

by admin on | 2026-08-18 11:30:54

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South Africa: Nigeria to Evacuate 83 Amid Rising Afrophobia 

By Maryam Yahya

A new batch of 83 Nigerians is expected to arrive in Lagos from South Africa on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, following renewed efforts to assist Nigerians affected by rising anti-foreigner sentiments in the country.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement, saying the returnees would arrive at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard South African Airways.

Ebienfa said the flight was expected to depart Oliver Tambo Airport, Johannesburg, at 3:35 p.m. local time and arrive in Lagos at approximately 8:45 p.m.

He explained that the latest evacuation was made possible through the intervention and sponsorship of air tickets by public-spirited private individuals.

According to him, the development followed the conclusion of the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation programme, which saw nearly 1,490 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa amid rising Afrophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments.

The ministry spokesperson said the government remained committed to safeguarding Nigerians, stressing that the administration of President Bola Tinubu viewed citizens in the diaspora as important contributors to national development.

He quoted the government as saying, “Nigerians in the diaspora are not a burden, but critical assets for national development,” while reaffirming its commitment to their protection and well-being.

Ebienfa also commended the individuals and philanthropists who sponsored the latest repatriation.

He urged corporate organisations, the organised private sector, state governments and well-meaning Nigerians at home and abroad to emulate the gesture and strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to consular emergencies.

On Nigeria-South Africa relations, Ebienfa said the Federal Government would continue to engage South African authorities to tackle the root causes of Afrophobia and prevent attacks against Nigerians.

He said the government remained committed to ensuring that acts of violence and discrimination were “prevented and strongly condemned when they occur,” including efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.