The Nigerian federal government has commenced plans for the voluntary repatriation of its citizens from South Africa following a renewed wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals. President Bola Tinubu directed the immediate provision of evacuation flights for Nigerians who wish to return home to escape the escalating violence.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu confirmed the directive in a statement released Sunday evening, noting that the government is taking decisive steps to ensure the safety of its people. She revealed that 130 Nigerians have already registered with the country’s mission in South Africa, a figure expected to rise as Nigerian associations continue to collate data across various provinces.
The minister described the ongoing violence as a repetitive wave and suggested that anti-foreigner sentiment is being leveraged by political opposition groups in South Africa. She emphasised that Nigerian lives and businesses must not continue to be put at risk, stressing that the federal government will no longer tolerate the persistent targeting of its citizens.
Arrangements are currently underway to finalise the logistics for the special evacuation flights. To facilitate the process, the Nigerian consulate is working closely with the high commission in Pretoria to gather sufficient data. Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged leaders of Nigerian organisations to urgently compile lists of individuals who wish to return but lack the financial means to afford airfare.
Citizens seeking repatriation are required to submit their personal details, including passport biodata, state of origin, and proof of circumstances qualifying them for the exercise. The minister clarified that registration for the evacuation remains free for all affected Nigerians.
The diplomatic response has intensified alongside the evacuation plans. On Saturday, the federal government summoned Bobby Moroe, the acting South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, to register a formal protest against the attacks. Nigeria is also engaging South African authorities through a recently signed memorandum of understanding focused on early warning mechanisms to protect citizens during periods of heightened tension.
Reports of recurring attacks against foreign nationals, including Nigerians and Ghanaians, have surged in recent weeks. The Nigerian government’s move follows similar historic interventions where private and public sectors collaborated to airlift hundreds of citizens during previous outbreaks of xenophobic violence in the country.