By Danjuma Amodu
The Federal Government has announced that the screening of Nigerians in South Africa who registered for evacuation was concluded on Saturday, paving the way for final arrangements to return them home.
In a message shared on a WhatsApp platform, the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the screening began on Thursday. It was conducted jointly by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the South African Police Service, and immigration authorities.
He noted that the exercise was aimed at verifying and clearing Nigerians who indicated interest in returning home following recent concerns and attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.
“Upon completion of the screening, authorities will have a definitive figure of eligible evacuees before finalizing aircraft deployment.”
Ebienfa added that the Federal Government would now finalize logistical arrangements, including the deployment of aircraft to transport the affected citizens back to Nigeria.
The government assured Nigerians that further details on the evacuation operation would be communicated as soon as they become available.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the safety and welfare of Nigerians residing in South Africa, with many seeking assistance to return home.
Authorities have pledged to keep the public informed as preparations for the evacuation progress.
