The Federal Government is set to evacuate the third batch of Nigerian migrants in South Africa ahead of the June 30 deadline issued against African migrants by anti-immigration movements in South Africa.
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, made this know in a statement issued on her official X handle on Monday.
With the increase in Xenophobic protest and attacks on African migrants, the Federal Government had earlier this month embarked on evacuation of Nigerian migrants with 66 migrants received at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, last week.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in the statement, disclosed that another batch of migrants are set to arrive in Nigeria later today which will be carried out by Nigerian local airline, Air Peace.
“The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered another series of evacuations of Nigerian Nationals in South Africa following the unceasing wave of Xenophobic protests and anti-immigrant threats taking place in that country.
“Following the first evacuation flight, the Federal Government, last week, approved another evacuation of 66 Nigerians, mostly women and children in the most vulnerable conditions, who arrived Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos on 24 June 2026.
“Today’s evacuation flight, operated by AirPeace Airlines and fully funded by the Federal Govt is expected to land at Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, SA later this afternoon to bring home our Nationals ahead of the deadline issued by SA Anti-migrant groups.” She said.
Meanwhile, the minister maintained that the evacuation will continue even after the deadline issued by the anti-immigration movements elapses.
She reiterated the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to protecting citizens outside national borders.
“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has further directed that the evacuations will continue, even after the deadline has elapsed to ensure that no Nigerian citizen, who wants to come back to our home country is left behind.
“Other Federal Government agencies including NEMA, NIS, FAAN and NIDCOM will be on hand at MMI Airport, Lagos to carry out on-site documentation, health screenings, and profiling for the returnees.
“The safety of our citizens abroad remains the core of the citizen diplomacy imperative of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We have an unbreakable commitment to protecting our citizens outside national borders, and upholding the sovereign bond between our Nation and its nationals , especially those that are imperiled.
“To the Returnees, in advance we say, “Welcome back to the Homeland “. She said.