Monday, May 4, 2026 - Following the increasing xenophobic att@cks in South Africa, the Federal government has concluded plans to assist in the repatriation of stranded Nigerians in South Africa,
In a statement released this evening, the Minister of
Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, said President Tinubu has instructed that the
priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens. Consequently,
arrangements are currently underway to collate details of Nigerians in South
Africa for voluntary repatriation flights for those seeking assistance to
return home.
Ojukwu mentioned that so far 130 applicants have duly
registered for the exercise with Nigeria's mission in S.A, but this figure is
expected to rise. She mentioned that Nigerian associations in South Africa are
also assisting our mission in this regard.
‘’Nigeria is
a frontline state that made great sacrifices towards the liberation struggles
of South Africa, a fact which needs to be distilled down to the younger
generation in South Africa.
Nigerian
lives and businesses in SA must not continue to be put at risk, and we remain
committed to working with South Africa to explore ways to put an end to this
xen@phobic pattern. It has become a repetitive wave, most especially prior to
elections in South Africa, and anti foreigner opposition parties leverage this
situation to garner votes. Discussions with my South African counterparts on
this matter are ongoing, and Nigeria recently signed a memorandum of
understanding with South Africa on early warning to protect citizens of both
countries, especially in times such as these.'' she said
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