The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to airlift about 300 Nigerians from South Africa on Wednesday following renewed xenophobic attacks and rising security concerns.

The evacuation is part of the government’s efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerian citizens affected by the recent wave of violence and hostility targeting some foreign nationals in South Africa.

According to government officials, the returnees voluntarily registered for evacuation after expressing concerns over their safety and livelihoods amid the unrest.

Relevant Nigerian authorities, in collaboration with officials in South Africa, have coordinated the evacuation process, including travel arrangements and necessary documentation for the affected citizens.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and said it would continue engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels to address the situation and safeguard the rights of Nigerians residing in the country.

The planned evacuation comes as both countries continue efforts to strengthen bilateral relations while addressing recurring incidents of xenophobic violence that have affected foreign nationals in South Africa.

The ‘s inaugural AI safety panel has warned that scientists cannot dismiss the possibility of “catastrophic harm” arising from increasingly advanced artificial intelligence systems.

In its assessment, the panel said AI has the potential to deliver enormous benefits across sectors such as healthcare, education, scientific research, and economic development. However, it cautioned that the technology also poses significant risks if left without adequate safeguards.

The experts noted that while there is no consensus on the likelihood of extreme AI-related scenarios, the possibility of catastrophic outcomes cannot be ruled out, making proactive governance and international cooperation essential.

The panel urged governments, technology companies, researchers, and international institutions to work together in establishing robust standards for AI development, transparency, accountability, and risk management.

It also emphasized the need to balance innovation with public safety, ensuring that the rapid advancement of AI technologies does not outpace regulatory frameworks designed to protect societies.

The report comes as countries around the world intensify efforts to develop AI policies amid growing concerns over misinformation, cybersecurity threats, job displacement, privacy, and the long-term implications of increasingly capable AI systems.

The panel concluded that global collaboration will be crucial to maximizing AI’s benefits while minimizing risks that could have far-reaching consequences for humanity.

The National Youth Service Corps is set for a significant transformation as the Federal Government rolls out reforms aimed at improving the programme for future corps members.

The proposed overhaul is designed to strengthen the scheme’s relevance, enhance participants’ welfare, and better prepare young graduates for life after national service.

Among the key reforms expected are:

1. Improved Security Measures: Enhanced protection for corps members, particularly in areas facing security challenges.
2. Better Welfare Packages: Plans to improve accommodation, healthcare access, and general welfare during the service year.
3. Expanded Skills Acquisition: Greater emphasis on vocational training and entrepreneurship to boost self-employment opportunities.
4. Digital Service Delivery: Increased use of technology for registration, deployment, documentation, and other administrative processes.
5. Review of Orientation Camp Activities: Updates to orientation programmes to better reflect current national priorities and workforce demands.
6. Stronger Community Development Projects: Corps members will be encouraged to undertake more impactful projects tailored to the needs of their host communities.
7. Closer Collaboration With Employers: Efforts to connect corps members with employment and internship opportunities after service.
8. Enhanced Monitoring and Supervision: Improved oversight to ensure compliance with NYSC guidelines and improve participants’ experiences.
9. Modernisation of the Scheme: Broader reforms aimed at making the NYSC more responsive to Nigeria’s changing social and economic realities.

Government officials say the reforms are intended to preserve the objectives of national service while equipping graduates with practical skills, improving safety, and enhancing career prospects.

The changes are expected to be implemented in phases, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the reforms will make the NYSC programme more effective and beneficial for future participants.