By George OPARA
The first batch of 268 Nigerians arranged for repatriation from South Africa over the recent xenophobic violence have landed in Lagos.
The group arrived at 10.30am at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Thursday, via Air Peace airlines.
The return flight was first scheduled for Monday but later moved to Wednesday for documentation delays.
Spear News Nigeria recalls that over 1,000 Nigerians are said to have expressed interest in returning home.
But Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, minister of foreign affairs, said the “numbers keep increasing” after Nigeria’s high commission in Pretoria said it had “negotiated waivers with host authorities” so that those with “immigration-related offences” would be allowed to leave on the eventual repatriation flights rather than be detained.
Screening for interested nationals began last Thursday and was set to conclude on Saturday.
Meanwhile, in a statement on Wednesday, the ministry of foreign affairs said the screening exercise had been extended to Sunday “to accommodate more persons”.
“This underscores the priority accorded to the protection of Nigerian citizens overseas, which remains a central pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy and a core responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs”.
The foreign ministry said the federal government, through relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), has put in place comprehensive reception, documentation, and support arrangements for the returnees.
Discussion about this post