The Federal Government has adjusted its evacuation plan for Nigerians in South Africa, rescheduling the departure of the first batch of citizens returning home amid rising tensions and reported xenophobic attacks targeting foreigners.
Originally slated for Monday, the first evacuation flight will now depart on Wednesday.
The adjustment, according to officials, is part of ongoing coordination efforts to ensure a smooth and safe repatriation process.
Why The Flight Was Delayed
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the change in schedule was due to what it described as “unforeseen logistical considerations.”
While no further operational details were provided, authorities insisted that the delay does not affect the overall evacuation plan already approved at the highest level of government.
Spokesperson for the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the development in a statement released on Monday.
Tinubu Approves Five Evacuation Flights
According to the ministry, President Bola Tinubu has approved a total of five evacuation flights, which will be operated by Nigerian airline Air Peace.
The first aircraft is expected to transport about 270 Nigerians from Johannesburg after all necessary diplomatic clearances and aviation permits are concluded.
Officials say the phased evacuation is designed to prioritise safety, documentation checks, and orderly boarding procedures.
Over 500 Nigerians Already Screened
As preparations intensify, the Nigerian mission in Pretoria has continued screening citizens who voluntarily expressed interest in returning home.
So far, more than 500 Nigerians have been processed and cleared for evacuation.
Ebienfa confirmed that the screening exercise has now been extended to Wednesday to accommodate additional applicants.
He stated: “I received confirmation from our mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise of Nigerian nationals, who have indicated interest to be evacuated back home, has been extended to Wednesday.
So far, more than 500 persons have been screened and cleared.”
Johannesburg Departure Set For Wednesday Evening
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that the first evacuation flight will now depart Johannesburg on Wednesday evening.
Officials say all logistics are being finalised to ensure that those cleared are safely transported back to Nigeria without disruption.
Government agencies are also coordinating with aviation and diplomatic authorities to manage the multi-flight evacuation process smoothly.
Rising Concern Over Safety Of Nigerians Abroad
The evacuation comes amid renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa following reports of xenophobic violence.
While details of recent incidents continue to emerge, the Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting citizens abroad and ensuring their safe return when necessary.
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Authorities say further updates will be provided as subsequent evacuation flights are scheduled in the coming days.
A Coordinated Response Under Pressure
As Nigeria activates a multi-flight evacuation plan, attention now shifts to how efficiently the process will be executed and whether additional citizens may still be added to the list.
For now, the government says its priority remains clear: safe, orderly, and fully coordinated return of Nigerians willing to come back home.