By Maureen Okon
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) says more than 1,000 Nigerians in South Africa have undergone screening for voluntary repatriation being facilitated by the Federal Government.
Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Dabiri-Erewa said the screening was being conducted jointly by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs.
Although Saturday had marked the third day of the exercise for Nigerians intending to voluntarily return home from South Africa, Nigeria’s Mission in Pretoria has extended the screening exercise to Wednesday.
Dabiri-Erewa said: “The turnout at the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria has been truly impressive.
“The screening started early on Saturday, and Nigerians came out in large numbers to participate in the process.
“In spite of the emotional atmosphere surrounding the prevailing tensions and uncertainty, the exercise has been smooth, peaceful, organised, and highly professional under the supervision of the Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner, Amb. Olatunde Ajayi.
“More than 1,000 Nigerians have registered for the voluntary evacuation, and many more are registering.
“All things being equal, the flights are expected to commence next week through Air Peace, as President Bola Tinubu has approved funds for that purpose,” she said.
Dabiri-Erewa added that five flights are expected to be deployed for the repatriation, with the first batch of evacuees scheduled to depart for Nigeria next week.
NAN reports that the repatriation of Nigerians is coming amid safety concerns of foreign nationals following recent anti-immigrant protests in parts of South Africa.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
