By Ola Kay
Following the need to ensure the safety of more Nigerian citizens in the wake of anti-immigrant campaign against foreign nationals in South-Africa, a new batch of 65 Nigerians, now being sponsored by private individuals is expected to return home today.
The Guardian reports that “repatriation comes amid continuing concerns over xenophobic attacks and the safety of foreign nationals in the country.
The publication referenced Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs through a notification issued Tuesday by its outgoing spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The ministry disclosed that the Nigerian returnees will depart Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, at 3:30 p.m. local time aboard a South African Airways flight and are expected to arrive the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 8:45 p.m. the same day.
The development comes following the conclusion of a voluntary evacuation programme by the Federal Government, the process through which 1,490 Nigerians were repatriated from South Africa after a widespread xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant sentiments.
The Guardian also revealed that “unlike the earlier government-coordinated evacuation flights, the 65 Nigerians scheduled to return today are being sponsored by private individuals,” further suggesting that voluntary returns have continued after the Federal Government has concluded and announced its five-phase evacuation programme in July.
Recall that the evacuation process which aims to ensure the safety of Nigerians commenced in June 2026, after anti-immigration protests and attacks that led to loss of property and other valuables belonging to Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
Before the latest private sponsor evacuation, Nigeria had ensure the return home of 1,490 citizens in five phases, with the final government-arranged flight conveying 305 Nigerians from Johannesburg to Lagos in July.
Repeated violence in South Africa was putting pressure on relations between Nigeria and South Africa. The Federal Government has continued to maintain that crimes involving its citizens should be dealt with through the law and not by any other means
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs only confirmed that today’s flight would bring returnees back to Nigeria under private sponsorship, and did not indicate whether the 65 Nigerians represented the final batch of citizens seeking to return home.
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