The Federal Government has assured Nigerians living in South Africa that all citizens who have indicated a willingness to return home amid escalating anti-migrant attacks will be successfully evacuated before the June 30 deadline.
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The assurance was given by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in an official statement released on Thursday. She emphasized that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration remains unyielding in its commitment to the safety, dignity, and welfare of Nigerians abroad.
The Minister disclosed that approximately 1,000 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation following targeted hostility and deadlines imposed by local anti-immigrant groups in South Africa.
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The emergency repatriation exercise is already fully operational, with logistical milestones underway. On June 11, the first batch of 258 Nigerians safely arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos via an Air Peace flight funded by the Federal Government.
Arrangements are currently being finalized to airlift the remaining 742 citizens who have been successfully screened and cleared for departure.
​The escalation follows recent widespread protests and threats by a South African citizen-led group, “March and March,” which issued a ultimatum demanding that all African foreign nationals leave the country by June 30, 2026.
The movement has triggered waves of intimidation, arson, and looting targeting foreign-owned businesses.
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Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated that President Tinubu has given an explicit directive that any Nigerian exposed to harassment and danger who opts to return must be assisted without delay.
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“When it comes to situations like this, of course, it is necessary to be temperate and exercise caution,” the Foreign Affairs Minister remarked. “But when your citizens are being harassed and exposed to danger, we must act swiftly to protect them.”
​While prioritizing the immediate physical safety of its citizens through these evacuation flights, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Nigeria is actively engaging South African authorities through official diplomatic channels. The government is exploring all lawful options to address the systematic discrimination and ensure the accountability of perpetrators targeting African migrants.
