The first batch of Nigerians being repatriated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday morning.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, the returnees will be transported aboard an Air Peace flight scheduled to depart O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night.
The statement added that the aircraft is expected to arrive in Lagos at about 5 a.m. on Thursday.
The repatriation exercise follows concerns over attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting Nigerian authorities to facilitate the voluntary return of affected citizens.
The Federal Government had earlier assured Nigerians in South Africa of its commitment to their safety and welfare while working with relevant authorities to address the situation.