Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Federal Government has extended the screening exercise for Nigerians in South Africa who have expressed interest in returning home, shifting the deadline to June 10, 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development on Sunday, explaining that the extension was approved to ensure all affected citizens are properly processed for evacuation amid renewed xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the update was conveyed through Nigeria’s Mission in Pretoria, which is overseeing the exercise alongside relevant South African authorities.
Ebienfa initially announced that the screening process, which began on Thursday, had been concluded.
It was jointly conducted by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the South African Police, and immigration officials.
He later clarified that the exercise would continue for an additional four days following fresh directives from the mission.
“I just received confirmation from our Mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise of Nigerian nationals that have indicated interest to be evacuated back home has been extended to Wednesday, 10th June, 2026,” he said.
So far, more than 500 Nigerians have been screened and cleared for evacuation, according to the ministry.
Ebienfa also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved five evacuation flights to facilitate the return of affected nationals, with Air Peace designated to operate the airlifts.
“Mr President has approved five evacuation flights that will be operated by Air Peace, and the first flight, which will airlift about 270 passengers, is expected to leave Johannesburg on Monday evening if the necessary permits and clearance are secured for the aircraft,” he stated.
The evacuation exercise is part of ongoing diplomatic and humanitarian efforts by the Federal Government to assist Nigerians affected by renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
