The Federal Government has pledged to evacuate Nigerians in South Africa who have voluntarily indicated a desire to return home following reports of anti-migrant attacks and harassment in the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the evacuation exercise is already underway and that all registered citizens willing to return would be assisted before the June 30 deadline. The move reflects the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians living abroad during periods of heightened insecurity.
Reports of attacks targeting migrants in parts of South Africa have raised concerns among affected communities and governments across the continent. In response, several African countries have initiated measures to assist their nationals who wish to leave the country.
Nigeria’s intervention follows growing reports of discrimination and harassment affecting Nigerians and other foreign nationals. The Federal Government has continued diplomatic engagement with South African authorities while coordinating support for citizens seeking relocation.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed the plans in a statement issued on Thursday through her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze. According to the minister, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed that efforts be intensified to evacuate Nigerians in South Africa who have expressed interest in returning home.
She revealed that approximately 1,000 Nigerians registered for evacuation and confirmed that the first batch of 258 citizens was successfully airlifted from South Africa on June 11. The returnees were received at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye. This leaves more than 742 Nigerians expected to be brought back under the ongoing exercise.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said: “When it comes to situations like this, of course, it is necessary to be temperate and exercise caution. But when your citizens are being harassed, when your citizens are people who have spent years there, and mind you, some of them are married to South Africans and have children who have known no other home but South Africa, then it becomes a serious concern.”
The minister also expressed concern over the treatment of Nigerians despite the presence of more than 120 South African companies operating in Nigeria. She cited businesses including MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic, and Protea as examples of South African investments functioning across various sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Efforts to evacuate Nigerians in South Africa underscore the challenges posed by recurring anti-migrant tensions and their impact on bilateral relations. The situation also highlights the importance of diplomatic mechanisms designed to protect citizens living outside their home countries.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that South African authorities declined to activate a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Nigeria in October 2025 on an early warning mechanism intended to safeguard citizens of both nations during periods of tension. She said South Africa later argued that additional procedures were required before the agreement could become binding.
The minister further noted that countries including Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique have also begun returning their nationals as concerns over the attacks continue.
The Federal Government says arrangements are being finalised to complete the evacuation process before June 30. Officials have pledged to continue diplomatic engagement with South African authorities while ensuring that Nigerians who wish to return home receive the necessary assistance. The government maintains that protecting the welfare and safety of citizens abroad remains a priority.
