The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced its readiness to receive Nigerian returnees from South Africa following ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

Mr Ebienfa said that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, would receive the returnees on behalf of the federal government.

According to him, the reception demonstrates the importance attached to the welfare of Nigerians abroad and reflects the federal government’s citizen-centred foreign policy.

Mr Ebienfa said Mr Enikanolaiye would be at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, to welcome the returnees on behalf of the government.

He added that the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria in Pretoria, Alexander Ajayi, would escort the first batch of 268 passengers to Nigeria and formally hand them over to the minister.

According to him, the evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace, is expected to arrive at about 5:00 a.m. on Thursday.

“The ongoing screening exercise by the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria for Nigerian nationals willing to voluntarily return to the country has been extended to June 14 to accommodate more persons,” he said.

Mr Ebienfa said the extension underscored 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.

He added that the evacuation reflected the government’s determination to ensure that Nigerians affected by crises abroad received the necessary support, dignity, and care.

“The Ministry wishes to assure the public that government, through relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), has put in place comprehensive reception, documentation and support arrangements for the returnees,” Mr Ebienfa said. 

(NAN)