From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Federal Government has postponed the evacuation of Nigerian nationals from South Africa, shifting the departure of the first repatriation flight from Monday, June 8, 2026, to Wednesday, June 10, due to operational and logistical constraints.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday, saying the adjustment followed unforeseen challenges affecting the planned airlift arrangements.
Spokesman of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the revised schedule was aimed at ensuring a smooth and coordinated evacuation process for Nigerians who have indicated interest in voluntarily returning home amid renewed xenophobic tensions in South Africa.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu had approved five evacuation flights to be operated by Air Peace as part of measures to facilitate the return of affected Nigerians.
Ebienfa disclosed that the first flight, expected to transport about 270 passengers, will now depart Johannesburg on the evening of Wednesday, June 10, subject to the completion of final aviation permits and operational clearances.
He further announced that the screening exercise for Nigerians seeking evacuation had been extended until Wednesday to enable more interested persons to complete the required registration and verification process.
The ministry spokesman revealed that more than 500 Nigerians have so far been screened and cleared for the evacuation exercise.
He added that Nigerian diplomatic missions in Pretoria are working closely with relevant South African authorities to ensure that the repatriation process is conducted in a safe, orderly, and efficient manner.
