Government to repatriate over 1,000 Nigerians from South Africa – NiDCOM

The Federal Government will repatriate more than 1,000 Nigerians from South Africa after a screening exercise for citizens who wish to return voluntarily.

NiDCOM Chairman and CEO Mrs. Abike Dabiri‑Erewa announced the plan in Abuja on Saturday.

She said the screening is being carried out jointly by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs.

Dabiri‑Erewa noted that the exercise entered its third day on Saturday, with a large number of Nigerians showing up to participate in the voluntary evacuation programme.

She added that the process has been orderly and professionally managed under the supervision of Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Olatunde Ajayi.

The NiDCOM chief said more than 1,000 Nigerians had already registered for the evacuation, and that registration is still ongoing.

She further revealed that flights for the repatriation are expected to begin next week with Air Peace, after President Bola Tinubu approved the necessary funds.

According to her, five flights have been scheduled for the operation, with the first batch of evacuees expected to arrive in Nigeria next week.

The planned repatriation comes amid growing safety concerns among foreign nationals following recent anti‑immigrant protests in parts of South Africa. (NAN)