The first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 5 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, as the Federal Government begins a phased repatriation exercise.
The returnees will be airlifted aboard an Air Peace flight departing O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, on Wednesday night, June 10, 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the evacuation is fully funded by the Federal Government, with arrangements in place for reception, documentation, profiling and welfare support on arrival.
Spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said evacuees will undergo standard profiling and documentation before being reunited with their families.
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The flight was initially scheduled for Monday but was shifted to Wednesday due to logistical adjustments and completion of screening and documentation with South African authorities.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the delay ensured proper verification and clearance of eligible evacuees.
More than 1,000 Nigerians have participated in the voluntary screening exercise, with the number still rising, officials said. At least 270 Nigerians are expected in the first batch.
The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria secured waivers from South African authorities to allow those with immigration-related infractions return under the evacuation plan rather than face detention.
The exercise is coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other agencies.