By our reporter 8.6.2026
Nigeria’s government has delayed the evacuation of its citizens from South Africa, following logistic problems in the lifting of the 500 people that have been cleared to travel.
The airlifting was scheduled for Monday June 8, but according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the departure has now been fixed for Wednesday June 10, and the flight will be in phases.
The operations will be fully handled by Air Peace, a prominent private Nigerian airline.
The primary aircraft assigned for the debut flight is slated to carry roughly 270 citizens out of Johannesburg on Wednesday evening, provided all diplomatic clearances and aviation landing rights are sorted out before nightfall.
The administrative delay has, however, given authorities more time to expand their profiling and documentation operations. The government announced that the evaluation process for individuals requesting emergency evacuation has also been extended until Wednesday to accommodate more stranded citizens.
Ebienfa stated: “I received confirmation from our Mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise of Nigerian nationals, who have indicated interest to be evacuated back home, has been extended to Wednesday.
“So far, more than 500 persons have been screened and cleared.”