In a significant diplomatic and humanitarian effort, the Federal Government of Nigeria has launched another evacuation mission to bring home 271 citizens currently in South Africa. The operation, which aims to ensure the safety of Nigerians amid rising concerns over planned anti-immigrant protests scheduled for June 30, is being executed in partnership with Air Peace. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an Air Peace aircraft departed from Nigeria on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 3:00 pm. The flight is expected to arrive in South Africa by 9:00 pm local time, with the return trip scheduled to depart at midnight. The aircraft is anticipated to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday morning. This latest mission is part of an ongoing voluntary evacuation program approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu earlier this month. The initiative was established to provide a safe passage for Nigerians who have indicated a desire to return home following a period of heightened tension and threats from anti-immigration groups in the host country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that the government remains committed to the safety of its nationals abroad. This flight adds to a series of successful repatriations conducted throughout June, during which over 500 Nigerians were screened and evacuated. The exercise is part of a broader government strategy to ensure all registered citizens who wish to return are able to do so safely and efficiently. --- President Tinubu Swears in Federal Commissioners In separate developments at the State House on Monday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presided over the swearing-in of eight new Federal Commissioners. The appointees are designated to serve two key government bodies: the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the National Population Commission (NPC). The new commissioners for the RMAFC include Hajiya Amina Ibrahim Gamawa and Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad. Additionally, six commissioners were sworn in for the National Population Commission: Nasiru Mu'azu Magarya, Kolawole Oladipupo Alabi, Prof. Sadiq Isah Radda, Suleiman Umar, Dr. Isiaka Alada Yahaya, and Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo. These appointments are expected to bolster the operational capacity of both commissions as they carry out their mandates regarding fiscal policy and national data management. --- Nigeria Explores Domestic Smartphone Manufacturing In a move to strengthen the local digital economy, Nigeria is actively seeking to attract global smartphone manufacturers to establish production facilities within the country. The initiative, discussed by industry stakeholders today, focuses on reducing the nation's reliance on imported devices and improving affordability for millions of citizens. The plan aims to leverage Nigerian labor and locally sourced inputs to produce high-quality, durable devices. Officials have encouraged interested companies to submit investment proposals by November, highlighting the potential for significant job creation and the expansion of digital access across the nation. This push is seen as a key step in bridging the digital divide and fostering industrial growth in Nigeria's rapidly evolving technology sector.