The Federal Government has received the first batch of 258 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, said the evacuation underscores the government’s commitment to the welfare, safety and protection of Nigerians living abroad.
The evacuees arrived aboard a special Air Peace flight at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday at about 10:25 a.m.
They were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, led by the Acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Temitope Alexander Ajayi, and were formally received by Enikanolaiye on behalf of the Federal Government.
Addressing the returnees, the minister said Nigeria would not tolerate attacks, harassment or any form of abuse directed at its citizens anywhere in the world.
He said the returnees are undergoing documentation, profiling and medical screening before being provided with temporary accommodation and subsequently reunited with their families.
Enikanolaiye said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had assured Nigeria that his government does not support the anti-foreigner protests and is committed to protecting Nigerians and other foreign nationals.
“The South African president has consistently stated that his government does not support the protests. He has assured us that the June 30 ultimatum issued by some groups does not stand and that those behind the threats will be dealt with,” he said.
He noted that many Nigerians operating legitimate businesses in South Africa had suffered losses, with some abandoning their investments and returning home because of insecurity and intimidation.
The minister acknowledged growing public pressure on the Federal Government to impose retaliatory measures against South African interests in Nigeria, but stressed that Abuja remains committed to maintaining cordial bilateral relations.
“There are calls for stronger action, but Nigeria will continue to explore diplomatic options. We value our relationship with South Africa and hope the situation will not escalate further,” he said.
The Acting High Commissioner in Pretoria, Ambassador Ajayi, commended the Federal Government for the evacuation effort and announced that additional batches of returnees would arrive on June 15, June 18, June 22 and June 24.
He described the evacuation as the safest option for Nigerians seeking to escape the violence.
Some of the returnees expressed relief at returning home, recounting experiences of hostility, discrimination and fear.
One of them, Philip, thanked the Federal Government for facilitating their return, saying many Nigerians in South Africa had endured difficult and traumatic conditions in recent weeks.
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