Six hundred and forty Nigerians living in South Africa are willing to come back to the country, as the federal government is set to start evacuating nationals on Wednesday.
The chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa disclosed the figure, after her appearance at the senate.
She told senators that two planes would be used in flying those who would be brought back.
The decision to evacuate them is due to xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, which began about a week ago, and continued into Sunday night.
Buhari receives Xenophobic Attack Report
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has received a report from the special envoy he sent to South Africa last week, to meet with his counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, over the xenophobic attacks.
Ambassador Ahmed Abubakar’s report states that President Ramaphosa agreed that the violence is disconcerting and embarrassing, adding that his government completely rejects such acts, which undermine not only the country’s image but also its relations with brotherly African countries.
The South African leader also reaffirms his stance against criminality and a commitment to do everything possible to protect the rights of every Nigerian and other foreign nationals in the country.
The special envoy also interfaced with his South African counterpart, where they agreed to work together to end the recurring attacks on Nigerians and their properties.
President Buhari has taken note of the report and instructed the minister of foreign affairs to continue to engage with appropriate authorities on concrete measures the South African government is expected to take.
He also ordered the immediate evacuation of all Nigerians who are willing to return home.
