The Federal Government has assured Nigerians living in South Africa that all citizens who have indicated a willingness to return home amid rising anti-migrant tensions will be evacuated before the June 30 deadline announced by groups behind the recent campaign against foreign nationals.
The assurance was given by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare and safety of Nigerians abroad as concerns over xenophobic attacks continue to grow.
According to the minister, the evacuation process is already underway, with the first group of returnees successfully brought back to Nigeria earlier this month. The initial batch, consisting of 258 Nigerians, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on June 11 and was received by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that approximately 1,000 Nigerians have so far registered for evacuation from South Africa. She noted that arrangements are being finalized to facilitate the return of the remaining citizens before the end-of-June deadline, ensuring that no Nigerian who wishes to leave the country is left behind.
The latest development follows growing fears among Nigerian residents in South Africa after anti-migrant groups reportedly intensified calls for foreign nationals to leave the country. The situation has raised concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other African migrants who have built their lives, businesses, and families in South Africa over the years.
Speaking on the issue, the foreign affairs minister expressed concern over reports of harassment, discrimination, and intimidation directed at Nigerians and other migrants. She emphasized that the Nigerian government is actively engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels while exploring lawful measures to address the situation.
According to her, the issue goes beyond immigration and touches on the wellbeing of families, as many Nigerians living in South Africa are married to South African citizens and have children who have spent their entire lives in the country.
The minister also highlighted what she described as an imbalance in the treatment of Nigerians compared to South African businesses operating freely in Nigeria. She pointed to major South African companies that have established strong commercial footprints across Nigeria and continue to conduct business without facing similar hostility.
Beyond the immediate humanitarian concerns, Odumegwu-Ojukwu warned that recurring anti-migrant incidents risk damaging South Africa’s international reputation and weakening its image as a leading advocate of African unity and cooperation.
She further revealed that South African authorities have yet to activate an early warning mechanism contained in a Memorandum of Understanding signed between both countries in October 2025. The agreement was designed to provide a framework for protecting citizens and addressing tensions before they escalate into larger crises.
Meanwhile, Nigeria is not the only country responding to the growing security concerns. Several African nations, including Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, have reportedly begun arrangements to evacuate their citizens from South Africa as fears over xenophobic violence continue to mount.
The Federal Government says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that Nigerians facing danger or intimidation and wishing to return home should receive immediate assistance. Officials insist that protecting citizens remains a top priority while diplomatic efforts continue to seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
As evacuation operations progress, attention remains focused on whether ongoing engagements between Nigeria and South Africa can ease tensions and provide lasting assurances for the safety of foreign nationals living in the country.
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