Lagos, 19 August 2026 – A fresh group of 83 Nigerian nationals is due to leave South Africa today under a privately funded evacuation, bringing the total number of citizens repatriated from the country in recent months to more than 1,570.
The returnees are scheduled to depart OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, at 3:35 p.m. local time and are expected to land at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 8:45 p.m. The air tickets were paid for by a group of public-spirited Nigerian businesspeople who have also pledged to sponsor a second batch of nationals who no longer feel safe and have asked to return home.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, speaking for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the Federal Government commended the private sponsors for adopting a “whole of society approach” to the crisis. She noted that the latest flight forms part of Nigeria’s voluntary repatriation programme, launched after repeated xenophobic attacks and anti-foreigner violence in South Africa that have claimed Nigerian lives and destroyed property.
“The government remains committed to protecting our citizens abroad under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Citizen Diplomacy agenda,” the statement said. It urged state governments to complement federal efforts by helping with evacuation costs and the resettlement of returning indigenes so that no citizen at risk is left stranded.
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The 83 passengers include nationals from Anambra, Ondo, Imo, Oyo, Enugu, Ogun, Abia, Osun, Delta, Kwara and Ekiti states. The ministry specifically thanked the Imo State Government, which has begun disbursing ₦1 million to each returning indigene; Abia State, which has approved the immediate payment of ₦1 million to 31 verified returnees; and Enugu State for its commitment to assist stranded citizens. Other states were urged to follow their example.
The ministry also expressed gratitude to other Nigerian individuals and groups, both at home and abroad, who have supported citizens facing consular emergencies overseas.
“To our returning nationals, we say, ‘Welcome Home’,” the statement concluded.
By John James
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