Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Federal Government has assured Nigerians affected by ongoing anti-migrant attacks in South Africa that all citizens who have opted to return home will be evacuated before June 30.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the assurance in a statement issued on Thursday, saying arrangements were being finalised to bring back all registered returnees.
According to the minister, about 1,000 Nigerians have indicated interest in returning, while the evacuation process is already underway.
She disclosed that the first batch of 258 evacuees arrived in Lagos on June 11 and were received at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the government remains committed to the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad and would ensure that no citizen willing to return is left behind.
She noted that President Bola Tinubu had directed that Nigerians facing danger or harassment in South Africa and wishing to come home should receive immediate assistance.
Expressing concern over reports of attacks and discrimination against Nigerians and other African migrants, the minister said Nigeria was engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels while considering lawful options to address the situation.
“When it comes to situations like this, of course, it is necessary to be temperate and exercise caution. But when your citizens are being harassed… then it becomes a serious concern,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also revealed that South Africa had yet to activate an early warning mechanism agreed upon with Nigeria in October 2025 to help protect citizens during periods of tension, citing procedural issues.
She added that several African countries, including Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, had also begun evacuating their nationals amid rising security concerns in South Africa.
The minister said the actions of anti-migrant groups were damaging South Africa’s reputation and undermining its image as a symbol of African unity in the post-apartheid era.
