The Federal Government has extended the ongoing screening exercise for Nigerians in South Africa who have indicated interest in returning home, shifting the deadline to June 10, 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the extension on Sunday, June 7, explaining that the decision was made to ensure all eligible applicants are fully processed for evacuation.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the directive was communicated through Nigeria’s Mission in Pretoria.
He had earlier confirmed on Saturday that the screening exercise for Nigerians who registered for voluntary evacuation amid renewed xenophobic tensions had been concluded.
According to him, the exercise began on Thursday and was being jointly conducted by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria alongside South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the South African Police, and immigration authorities.
He explained that the screening was necessary to establish the exact number of Nigerians cleared for repatriation, after which arrangements for evacuation flights would be finalised.
However, Ebienfa later issued a fresh update confirming a four-day extension of the exercise.
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“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.
He also disclosed that over 500 Nigerians have already been screened and approved for evacuation.
“So far, over 500 persons have been screened and cleared,” he stated.
Ebienfa further revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved five evacuation flights to bring the affected citizens back to Nigeria, with domestic airline Air Peace assigned to operate the missions.
“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 said.
The evacuation exercise is part of the government’s response to rising xenophobic tensions in South Africa, which have prompted many Nigerians to seek voluntary return amid concerns over safety and recurring attacks on African migrants.