The Federal Government says the screening of Nigerians in South Africa who registered for voluntary evacuation following renewed xenophobic attacks will conclude today.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the exercise, which began on Thursday, is being carried out by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria in collaboration with South African authorities, including immigration officials and the police.
According to ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the screening will determine the final number of Nigerians eligible for evacuation.
He said the government would finalize plans for the deployment of aircraft to bring affected citizens back to Nigeria once the exercise is completed.
The evacuation programme was announced after anti-immigrant protests in Pretoria and Johannesburg raised concerns about the safety of foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu had earlier revealed that 130 Nigerians initially registered for voluntary repatriation, but the number has reportedly risen to over 1,000 as more citizens express interest in returning home.
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