The foreign affairs ministry says a new batch of 83 Nigerian returnees from South Africa will arrive in the country on Wednesday.

Its spokesman, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

According to him, the returnees were expected to depart Johannesburg at 3.35 p.m. local time and arrive at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on South African Airways at approximately 8.45 p.m. the same day.

“The ministry wishes to note that this latest cohort of returnees is facilitated through the kind intervention and sponsorship of tickets by public-spirited private individuals, whose generosity the federal government acknowledges with profound gratitude.

“This development follows the earlier conclusion of the government’s voluntary repatriation programme, which saw nearly 1,490 Nigerian citizens repatriated from South Africa amidst rising Afrophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments in the host country,” he said.

Mr Ebienfa said the government remained unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of all Nigerians at home and abroad.

He said the government viewed Nigerians in the diaspora not as a burden, but as critical assets for national development, and was dedicated to ensuring their protection and well-being.

The ministry’s spokesman expressed its appreciation to the private individuals and philanthropists who stepped forward to assist in such a humanitarian effort.

Their action, he said, was a sterling example of the whole-of-society approach and public-private collaboration the government champions in tackling challenges facing Nigerian citizens abroad.

“The ministry commends their patriotism and selflessness, which have significantly alleviated the plight of our compatriots in South Africa.

“In light of this, the ministry calls upon the organised private sector, corporate organisations, state governments, and other well-meaning Nigerians in the diaspora to emulate these worthy examples,” he said.

He noted that their collective efforts would bolster national capacity to respond effectively to consular emergencies.

Mr Ebienfa said government remained committed to deepening strategic partnerships with host nations, including South Africa, to tackle the root causes of Afrophobia.

He added that government would ensure that acts of violence and discrimination against Nigerians are prevented, would condemn them and hold perpetrators to account.

(NAN)