Another 65 Nigerians are expected to return home from South Africa on Wednesday, 26 August, as voluntary repatriation continues amid concerns over anti-foreigner hostility and the safety of some Nigerian nationals. The returnees are being sponsored by private individuals and are due to arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at 8.45pm.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the arrangement in a statement on Tuesday.
The group is scheduled to leave O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 3.30pm local time aboard a South African Airways flight.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that another set of 65 Nigerian nationals sponsored by private individuals will depart the Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa on Wednesday 26 August 2026 at 3.30pm local time via South African Airways,” the ministry said.
It added that the flight was expected in Lagos at 8.45pm the same day.
The ministry thanked the individuals funding the return journey and other stakeholders helping Nigerians who have chosen to leave South Africa.
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Latest batch follows return of 83 Nigerians
Wednesday’s flight comes about a week after 83 Nigerians returned from South Africa under a similar privately funded arrangement.
The latest exercise will bring the number of Nigerians returned under the recent repatriation programme to about 1,638, according to reports citing Foreign Affairs Ministry figures.
The Federal Government had earlier organised several evacuation flights. The fifth and final government-sponsored flight brought 315 Nigerians home on 15 July, before private individuals stepped in to support further voluntary returns.
More than 200 Nigerians were still said to be awaiting assistance after the government-backed phase ended, according to the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa.
The repatriation programme comes against the backdrop of renewed concerns over xenophobic and anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa. Nigerian officials have called on South African authorities to take stronger action against violence, discrimination and rhetoric targeting African migrants.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has also urged Nigerian state governments to support returning citizens with resettlement assistance.
Imo and Abia states have announced financial support for some verified returnees, while Enugu has also pledged assistance, according to the ministry.
The Federal Government says the repatriations are voluntary and aimed at helping Nigerians who no longer feel safe or who want to return home.
What readers should know: The 65 Nigerians expected on Wednesday are part of an continuing voluntary return programme rather than a deportation exercise. Their arrival follows the return of 83 Nigerians last week, while government and community groups continue working to assist others seeking to leave South Africa.
