The Nigerian government has moved closer to concluding its evacuation of citizens from South Africa after a fourth repatriation flight carrying 282 returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos late on Thursday.
The latest Air Peace-operated flight raises the total number of Nigerians repatriated since the evacuation exercise commenced on June 11 to 1,141, according to official figures.
The evacuation programme was launched following requests from Nigerians in South Africa who expressed a desire to voluntarily return home. Authorities said more than 1,000 citizens had initially registered for the exercise, prompting the federal government to coordinate a series of special flights in partnership with Air Peace.
Government officials confirmed that the final batch of evacuees is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week, marking the conclusion of the repatriation operation.
The returnees were received by relevant government agencies upon arrival in Lagos, where arrangements were made to facilitate their reintegration and onward movement to their respective destinations.
The repatriation initiative forms part of the Nigerian government’s broader commitment to providing consular support and assistance to citizens facing difficult circumstances abroad, while strengthening efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora.
With the final evacuation flight scheduled for next week, authorities say the operation is on course to successfully bring home all registered Nigerians who opted to return voluntarily from South Africa.
