FG Announces Return of 83 Nigerians From South Africa as Repatriation Continues

Another 83 Nigerian nationals are expected to return home from South Africa on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the Federal Government has announced.

The returnees are scheduled to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos aboard South African Airways.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the group will depart Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at about 3:35 p.m. local time and is expected to arrive in Lagos around 8:45 p.m.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, disclosed the development in a statement.

Private Individuals Fund Return Flights

The Federal Government said the latest repatriation effort was made possible through the intervention of private individuals who sponsored the returnees’ air tickets.

The ministry expressed appreciation to the individuals and philanthropists for supporting the humanitarian initiative.

The development comes after the completion of an earlier voluntary repatriation programme through which nearly 1,490 Nigerians were brought back from South Africa.

The repatriation exercise followed concerns over rising Afrophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments in parts of the country.

FG Reaffirms Commitment to Nigerians Abroad

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to protecting the welfare, dignity and rights of Nigerians living both at home and abroad.

The government said its Citizen Diplomacy agenda views Nigerians in the diaspora as important contributors to national development rather than a burden.

It also praised the private sponsors for demonstrating what it described as a “whole of society approach” to addressing challenges affecting Nigerians abroad.

The ministry called on businesses, corporate organisations, state governments and other well-meaning Nigerians to support similar humanitarian initiatives.

FG Seeks Action Against Afrophobia

The government also said it would continue working with South African authorities and other host nations to tackle the root causes of Afrophobia and prevent violence and discrimination against Nigerians.

It stressed that perpetrators of attacks against Nigerians must be held accountable, while reaffirming its commitment to strengthening diplomatic partnerships to protect Nigerians living abroad.