The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has announced that over 1,000 Nigerians in South Africa have undergone screening for voluntary repatriation facilitated by the Federal Government.
Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO of NiDCOM, disclosed this in an interview with reporters in Abuja on Saturday.
Dabiri-Erewa said the screening is being conducted jointly by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs.
She added that Saturday marked the third day of the exercise for Nigerians wishing to voluntarily return home from South Africa.
“The turnout at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria has been truly impressive.
“The screening started early on Saturday, and many Nigerians came out in large numbers to participate.
“Despite the emotional atmosphere due to prevailing tensions and uncertainty, the exercise has been smooth, peaceful, well-organized, and highly professional under the supervision of Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner, Amb. Olatunde Ajayi.
“Over 1,000 Nigerians have registered for the evacuation, with many more still registering.
“All things being equal, flights are expected to start next week via Air Peace, as President Bola Tinubu has approved funds for this purpose,” she said.
Dabiri-Erewa also stated that five flights are expected to be deployed for the repatriation, with the first group of evacuees scheduled to depart for Nigeria next week.
It was reported that the repatriation is happening amid safety concerns following recent anti-immigrant protests in parts of South Africa.
