The Federal Government has announced that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, will receive the first batch of Nigerians returning from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the minister will welcome the returnees at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on behalf of the Federal Government, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to the welfare and protection of its citizens abroad.
The Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, is expected to accompany the first group of 268 evacuees and formally hand them over to government officials upon arrival. The Air Peace evacuation flight is scheduled to land in Lagos at about 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
The ministry also disclosed that the ongoing registration and screening exercise for Nigerians willing to voluntarily return home has been extended until June 14, 2026, to accommodate more affected persons.
It said the extension reflects the government’s determination to provide support for citizens impacted by the attacks and ensure that all willing returnees have the opportunity to participate in the evacuation process.
The ministry further assured that relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies have put in place arrangements for the reception, documentation and reintegration of the returnees, reaffirming that the protection and welfare of Nigerians overseas remain a key priority of the country’s foreign policy.