By Zainab Bakare
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the arrival of 83 Nigerian nationals from South Africaat the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the returnees are expected to depart Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, at 3:35 p.m. local time aboard South African Airways and arrive in Lagos at approximately 8:45 p.m. the same day.
The Ministry said the latest repatriation was made possible through the intervention and sponsorship of air tickets by public-spirited private individuals.
It expressed gratitude to the individuals for their support, describing their contribution as an important humanitarian intervention.
The development follows the completion of the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation programme, which facilitated the return of nearly 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa amid rising Afrophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments.
The Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of Nigerians at home and abroad.
The Ministry said the government’s Citizen Diplomacy agenda recognises Nigerians in the diaspora as important assets to national development rather than a burden, stressing its commitment to their protection and well-being.
It also commended the private individuals and philanthropists who have supported the repatriation effort, describing their actions as an example of the government’s “whole-of-society approach” and public-private collaboration in addressing challenges confronting Nigerians abroad.
The Ministry called on the organised private sector, corporate organisations, state governments and other well-meaning Nigerians at home and abroad to support similar humanitarian initiatives.
According to the Ministry, such collective efforts will strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to respond effectively to consular emergencies.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with host countries, including South Africa, to address the root causes of Afrophobia.
It said efforts would continue to ensure that violence and discrimination against Nigerians are prevented, condemned when they occur, and that perpetrators are held accountable.
