The Federal Government has assured Nigerians living in South Africa that all citizens who have indicated their willingness to return home amid the ongoing anti-migrant attacks will be evacuated before the June 30 deadline.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to protecting the lives and welfare of Nigerians abroad and will ensure that no willing citizen is left behind.
According to the minister, the evacuation process is already underway, with the first batch of 258 Nigerians successfully airlifted from South Africa and received in Lagos on June 11.
She revealed that approximately 1,000 Nigerians had registered for evacuation, while arrangements were being finalized to bring back the remaining 742 citizens in the coming days.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated that President Tinubu had directed relevant authorities to provide immediate assistance to Nigerians facing danger, intimidation, and harassment in South Africa who had voluntarily requested to return home.
She expressed concern over reports of discrimination and attacks against Nigerians and other African migrants, noting that many affected individuals have lived in South Africa for years, with some having South African spouses and children.
The minister also questioned the unequal treatment of Nigerians in South Africa despite the presence of more than 120 South African companies operating freely in Nigeria.
She warned that the actions of anti-migrant vigilante groups have not only threatened lives and businesses but have also damaged South Africa’s reputation as a nation historically associated with African unity and solidarity.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that Nigeria continues to engage South African authorities through diplomatic channels to address the crisis. She also revealed that South Africa has yet to activate a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Nigeria in October 2025, which was intended to establish an early warning system for protecting the citizens and properties of both countries during periods of tension.
Meanwhile, other African countries, including Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, have also begun evacuating their citizens from South Africa as concerns over the growing anti-migrant attacks continue to rise.
The Federal Government said it would continue to explore lawful and diplomatic measures to ensure the safety, dignity, and protection of Nigerians affected by the crisis.
A fire broke out on Thursday at a multi-storey commercial building housing a Polaris Bank branch on Broad Street, Lagos Island, causing panic among residents, business owners, and passersby in the area. The blaze, which sent thick plumes of smoke into the sky, attracted a large crowd as people watched emergency responders battle to contain the fire. Several videos shared online captured the intensity of the incident, with smoke […]
Post comments (0)