The Federal Government has completed its evacuation of stranded Nigerians from South Africa, with the final repatriation flight arriving in Lagos carrying 308 citizens.
The aircraft, which also transported three government officials, landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, bringing the evacuation exercise to a close.
In total, more than 1,500 Nigerians were brought back home during the operation.
Reacting to the successful conclusion of the exercise, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, praised President Bola Tinubu for approving and extending the evacuation programme.
She said the President’s actions helped protect Nigerians who were affected by renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
“President Bola Tinubu’s decisive leadership and compassionate intervention in facilitating the successful airlift and safe return of Nigerians stranded in South Africa imperiled by the spate of xenophobic incidents no doubt saved many precious lives which could have been lost if not for this timely action,” she said.
She also commended Tinubu for allowing the evacuation to continue beyond the June 30 deadline earlier issued by anti-migrant groups in South Africa.
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“His extension of the evacuation exercise even beyond the June 30 deadline issued by Anti-migrant groups in South Africa speaks volumes about his unwavering commitment to the welfare of our Nationals in crisis situations,” she added.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu welcomed the returnees and expressed appreciation to Nigerian officials in South Africa for coordinating the evacuation and ensuring its successful execution.