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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Federal Government has said that the first batch of Nigerian evacuees from the Republic of South Africa will arrive in Lagos on Thursday June 11.
The spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja.
The development followed a series of xenophobic attacks endured by Nigerians and other nationals living in South Africa.
On Sunday, the government said over 500 Nigerians had been screened and cleared for evacuation.
The government also said the first flight will airlift about 270 passengers from Johannesburg to Nigeria as soon as the necessary permits and clearance are secured for the aircraft.
Ebienfa, in the statement issued in Abuja, said: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that the first batch of Nigerian nationals that will be evacuated from the Republic of South Africa due to Xenophobic attacks will depart the Oliver Thambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night, and the expected time of arrival at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos is 5.00 am on Thursday morning.”
Ebienfa further said the evacuation operation will be undertaken by Air Peace Airlines.
He disclosed that the Federal Government has fully funded the evacuation exercise, adding that all affected Nigerians will be repatriated at no cost to them.
“The ministry further wishes to assure the public that the Federal Government, through relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, has put in place the necessary reception and support arrangements for the returnees. Upon arrival, the evacuees will undergo documentation and profiling procedures and will receive the appropriate assistance and support before being reunited with their families,” Ebienfa also said.
