The Federal Government has assured Nigerians residing in South Africa that every citizen who has indicated a willingness to return home amid ongoing anti-migrant attacks in the country will be evacuated before the June 30 deadline. The assurance was given by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze.
According to the minister, the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains fully committed to the safety, welfare and protection of Nigerians living abroad, particularly those facing threats to their lives and livelihoods as a result of recent attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated that the Federal Government had intensified efforts to ensure that Nigerians who have expressed a desire to return home are evacuated in an orderly and timely manner. She emphasized that no Nigerian who has registered for evacuation would be abandoned or left behind. The minister noted that Nigerian diplomatic missions in South Africa have been working closely with affected citizens, gathering information and coordinating logistics necessary for the evacuation exercise.
She added that officials have remained in constant communication with community leaders and relevant South African authorities to monitor developments and provide assistance where needed. The latest assurance comes amid growing concerns over reports of anti-migrant violence and hostility in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals have occasionally faced attacks, intimidation and destruction of property.
The incidents have sparked anxiety among members of the Nigerian community, many of whom have called on the government to facilitate their safe return. Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged the fears being experienced by affected Nigerians and reassured them that the government was treating the situation with the seriousness it deserves.
She stressed that protecting the lives of citizens remains a top priority for the Tinubu administration. “The Federal Government remains committed to the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad. No Nigerian who has expressed willingness to return home from South Africa will be left behind,” the statement said.
She further explained that arrangements are being finalized to ensure that the evacuation process is completed smoothly before the June 30 deadline. Relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other stakeholders, are collaborating to provide transportation and other support services for returnees.
The minister also urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, stay in contact with Nigerian diplomatic officials and adhere to all necessary registration procedures to facilitate the evacuation process. She encouraged those seeking assistance to make use of official communication channels established by the Nigerian High Commission.
Observers say the government’s intervention reflects growing concern over the recurring incidents of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which have in the past claimed lives, displaced families and strained diplomatic relations between African countries. Over the years, Nigeria and South Africa have maintained strong economic and diplomatic ties, but periodic outbreaks of violence against foreign nationals have often generated tension and prompted calls for greater protection of migrants living in the country.
Community leaders have welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment, describing the evacuation plan as a relief for many Nigerians who have been living in fear amid the recent unrest. Some affected residents expressed hope that the process would be completed without delays and that adequate support would be provided upon their arrival in Nigeria.
As the June 30 deadline approaches, attention is now focused on the implementation of the evacuation exercise and the government’s ability to ensure that every registered Nigerian seeking to return home is safely transported back to the country.
The Federal Government reiterated that it would continue to engage relevant authorities and monitor the situation closely, while reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the interests and well-being of Nigerians wherever they may be across the world.
