The Federal Government has postponed the evacuation of the first batch of Nigerian citizens seeking to return home from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks in the country.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, announced the development in a statement issued on Monday.

According to Ebienfa, the evacuation flight, initially scheduled for Monday, has been rescheduled to Wednesday due to unforeseen logistical challenges.

He explained that President Bola Tinubu had approved five evacuation flights to be operated by Air Peace to facilitate the return of affected Nigerians.

Ebienfa said the first flight, which is expected to transport about 270 passengers, will depart Johannesburg on Wednesday evening after all necessary permits and clearances have been obtained.

He further disclosed that the Federal Government had extended the screening exercise for Nigerians who have indicated interest in returning home until Wednesday.

“I received confirmation from our mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise for Nigerian nationals who have expressed interest in voluntary evacuation has been extended until Wednesday,” he said.

“So far, more than 500 individuals have been screened and cleared for evacuation.”

The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of Nigerian citizens affected by the attacks and to facilitating their safe return to the country.