The Federal Government has rescheduled the airlift of the first batch of Nigerian citizens wishing to leave South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks against Blacks in the country.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
According to Ebienfa, the original plan to evacuate the first batch of returnees on Monday has been moved to Wednesday due to unforeseen logistical issues.
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He explained that President Bola Tinubu approved five evacuation flights, which will be operated by Nigeria’s private airline, Air Peace.
The first flight, expected to carry about 270 passengers, will depart from Johannesburg on the new date after all necessary permits and clearances are obtained.
He also confirmed that the government has extended the screening of citizens willing to be evacuated until Wednesday.
“I received confirmation from our mission in Pretoria that the screening of Nigerian nationals interested in returning home has been extended to Wednesday. So far, more than 500 persons have been screened and cleared,” Ebienfa stated.
