83 Nigerians to return from South Africa Wednesday amid afrophobic attacks
South Africa President, Cyril Ramaphosa
Abdullateef Fowewe
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that 83 Nigerian nationals stranded in South Africa will arrive in Lagos on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, as part of ongoing voluntary repatriation efforts amid reported Afrophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments.
The returnees are expected to depart Oliver Tambo Airport in Johannesburg at 3:35 p.m. local time aboard South African Airways and arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 8:45 p.m. the same day.
In a statement, the ministry said the latest repatriation was made possible through the sponsorship of air tickets by private individuals.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce that a new batch of 83 Nigerian nationals will arrive at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos on Wednesday 19th August, 2026 via South African Airways,” the statement read.
The ministry said the development followed the earlier repatriation of nearly 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa under the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation programme.
It expressed appreciation to the private individuals and philanthropists who supported the latest exercise, describing their intervention as an example of the government’s “whole of society approach” to addressing consular emergencies.
The ministry also called on the organised private sector, corporate organisations, state governments and Nigerians in the diaspora to support similar humanitarian efforts.
“The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguard the welfare and dignity of all Nigerians at home and abroad,” it said.
According to the ministry, the government considers Nigerians living abroad “not as a burden, but as critical assets for national development.”
It further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with South Africa to address the root causes of Afrophobia, prevent violence and discrimination against Nigerians, and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
