By Bisola Adeyemo
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says a new batch of 83 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa will arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday.
The ministry disclosed this in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, on Monday in Abuja.
According to the statement, the returnees will depart Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, at 3:35 p.m. local time and arrive in Lagos at about 8:45 p.m. aboard South African Airways.
The ministry said the evacuation was facilitated by public-spirited private individuals who sponsored the air tickets.
It added that the development followed an earlier voluntary repatriation programme, which saw nearly 1,490 Nigerians return from South Africa amid rising Afrophobia.
The ministry expressed appreciation to the private individuals and philanthropists who had supported the humanitarian effort.
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It also called on the organised private sector, corporate organisations, state governments and other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the gesture of the sponsors.
“The Federal Government remains committed to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of Nigerians at home and abroad,” the statement said.
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