Nigeria extends screening of citizens willing to depart South Africa

Nigeria has extended the screening of its citizens who are willing to be evacuated from South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks against Blacks in the country to Wednesday.

Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed this in a statement he issued to newsmen on Sunday.

According to Ebienfa, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved five evacuation flights, which will be operated by Nigeria’s private airliner, Air Peace.

He added that the first flight that would transport about 270 passengers was expected to leave Johannesburg on Monday evening.

He said: “This is, if the necessary permits and clearance are secured for the aircraft.

“I just received confirmation from our Mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise of Nigerian nationals, who have indicated interest to be evacuated back home, has been extended to Wednesday.

“So far, over 500 persons have been screened and cleared.” 

Ebienfa further said that the flight’s departure and estimated time of arrival in Lagos will be provided in due course, subject to updates from Nigeria’s High Commission in South Africa.