The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg have announced that 271 Nigerians will be repatriated from South Africa on Wednesday as part of the government’s fourth special evacuation flight.
In a statement issued on Monday, Consul General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche said the flight will depart from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg in the early hours of Wednesday.
She disclosed that those selected for the fourth batch of the government-arranged repatriation exercise would be contacted directly by phone with further instructions.
“Those who will form the fourth batch of returnees for the government-arranged special repatriation flight will receive direct phone calls to inform them,” the statement said.
The mission directed all returnees to report to the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria by 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday for onward transportation to the airport.
According to the consulate, all evacuees must travel on buses arranged by the Nigerian missions to guarantee their safety and gain access to a restricted section of the airport reserved for departure processing. It stressed that anyone who chooses to travel independently would not be allowed into the restricted area and would therefore be unable to complete the required departure procedures.
Ms Okey-Uche said, “All those on the list are to assemble to depart for the airport by buses organised by the missions. This is to ensure safe passage and access to the special restricted area of the airport, where our nationals will be processed for departure.
“Assembling at the high commission to join the official buses is mandatory. No one is permitted to go independently, as they will not have access to the special area of the airport used for the final processing exercise. Furthermore, this is the only way to guarantee your safety en route to the airport.”
The consulate also instructed passengers to bring the clearance certificates issued after their screening, alongside every other document submitted during the screening process, including consent forms for minors where applicable.
Returnees were reminded to observe the approved baggage policy, which allows each adult two checked bags of up to 23 kilograms each, one carry-on bag weighing up to seven kilograms and one personal item. Children are entitled to the same baggage allowance, in addition to a collapsible pram, infant cot or car seat.
Appealing to Nigerians awaiting evacuation, Ms Okey-Uche said, “We implore all our nationals to remain patient, calm, stay safe and be law-abiding, by staying away from crime and criminals, in order to uphold and protect the good name of our beloved country, Nigeria.
“Please, rest assured that your government cares deeply about you, and the high commission and the consulate general will not relent in our duty to protect you and look out for your welfare at all times.”
