The Federal Government has extended the screening exercise for Nigerian nationals in South Africa who have expressed interest in returning home, with the process now set to conclude on June 10, 2026.
The extension was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday as efforts continue to accommodate all Nigerians seeking evacuation amid renewed xenophobic attacks in the country.
Speaking on the development, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the update was communicated by Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria.
The screening exercise, which began on Thursday, is being conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the South African Police, and immigration authorities.
According to Ebienfa, the exercise is aimed at determining the exact number of Nigerians eligible for evacuation before final arrangements are made for flights to bring them back home.
Providing an update on the exercise, he said, “I just received confirmation from our Mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise of Nigerian nationals that have indicated interest to be evacuated back home has been extended to Wednesday, 10th June, 2026.”
He disclosed that more than 500 Nigerians have already completed the screening process and have been cleared for evacuation.
“So far, over 500 persons have been screened and cleared,” he stated.
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Ebienfa also revealed that President Bola Tinubu has approved five evacuation flights to facilitate the return of affected Nigerians, with Air Peace designated to operate the flights.
According to him, “Mr President has approved five evacuation flights that will be operated by Air Peace, and the first flight, which will airlift about 270 passengers, is expected to leave Johannesburg on Monday evening if the necessary permits and clearance are secured for the aircraft.”
The evacuation initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s response to assist Nigerians who have chosen to return home following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants in South Africa.