Nigeria Extends Evacuation Screening in South Africa as First Repatriation Flight Nears
Oru Leonard
ABUJA – The Federal Government has extended the screening exercise for Nigerian nationals in South Africa seeking evacuation back home, as preparations intensify for the commencement of repatriation flights.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, disclosed on Monday that Nigeria’s Mission in Pretoria confirmed that the screening process, initially scheduled to end earlier, has now been extended until Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
He said that more than 500 Nigerians have so far been screened and cleared for evacuation.
Ebienfa stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved five evacuation flights to facilitate the return of affected citizens. The flights will be operated by Air Peace as part of the government’s efforts to ensure the safe and orderly return of Nigerians willing to come back home.
He explained that the first evacuation flight is expected to depart Johannesburg on Monday evening, subject to the approval of the necessary permits and operational clearances for the aircraft.
The inaugural flight is expected to airlift approximately 270 passengers from South Africa to Nigeria.
The ministry noted that details regarding the exact departure time and estimated arrival time in Lagos would be communicated once further updates are received from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa.
The evacuation exercise is part of ongoing diplomatic and consular efforts by the Federal Government to assist Nigerian citizens abroad and ensure their welfare during challenging situations.
Authorities urged all Nigerians who have indicated interest in returning home to cooperate fully with officials handling the screening and documentation process to ensure a smooth evacuation operation.
