The federal government has rescheduled the first evacuation flight for Nigerians seeking to leave South Africa from Monday to Wednesday, June 10, citing logistical considerations.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the ministry of foreign affairs, said more than 500 Nigerians had been screened and cleared, while the first Air Peace flight is expected to airlift about 270 passengers from Johannesburg once final permits and clearances are secured.
Screening window extended
Ebienfa said President Bola Tinubu approved five evacuation flights and that the screening exercise had been extended to Wednesday to accommodate more applicants. Nigerian officials in Pretoria are continuing identity verification ahead of the airlift.
Why the evacuation is happening
Nigeria began preparing the repatriation after renewed xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa. Earlier reports said more than 1,000 Nigerians indicated interest in returning home as tensions worsened.
Sources: Peoples Gazette, Vanguard, TheCable
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