Xenophobia: FG sets deadline for evacuation of Nigerians from S’Africa

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians living in South Africa that all citizens who have indicated willingness to return home amid ongoing anti-migrant attacks will be evacuated before June 30.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the assurance in a statement issued on Thursday by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze.

She said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad and will ensure that no citizen who has expressed interest in returning from South Africa is left behind.

According to the minister, the evacuation exercise is already underway, with the first batch of returnees arriving in Lagos on June 11 and being received by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that about 1,000 Nigerians had registered for evacuation and that arrangements were being concluded to bring home the remaining citizens before the June 30 deadline.

She expressed concern over reports of discrimination and attacks against Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa, noting that Nigeria was engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels while exploring lawful options to address the situation.

“When it comes to situations like this, it is necessary to exercise caution. But when your citizens are being harassed, then it becomes a serious concern,” she said.

The minister noted that some affected Nigerians are married to South Africans and have children born and raised in the country.

She also criticised what she described as the uneven treatment of Nigerians compared to South African businesses operating in Nigeria, citing companies such as MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic and Protea Hotels.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu further stated that the activities of anti-migrant groups had damaged South Africa’s reputation and undermined its image as a post-apartheid symbol of pan-African unity.

She revealed that South African authorities had yet to activate an early warning mechanism agreed upon by both countries in October 2025 to help protect citizens during periods of tension, citing procedural concerns.

The minister added that countries including Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique had also begun evacuating their nationals from South Africa over rising security concerns.

At least 270 Nigerians, the first batch of returnees following the recent xenophobic attacks, have already arrived in Lagos.