Xenophobia: FG to Evacuate Over 742 Nigerians from South Africa Before June 30

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

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the assurance in a statement issued on Thursday, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and ensuring their safe return where necessary.

According to the minister, the evacuation exercise is already in progress, with the first batch of 258 Nigerians successfully airlifted from South Africa and received at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on June 11 by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that approximately 1,000 Nigerians had registered for evacuation from South Africa, indicating that more than 742 citizens are expected to be brought home before the end of the month.

She explained that President Bola Tinubu had directed relevant agencies to ensure that Nigerians exposed to harassment, discrimination, and insecurity in South Africa are assisted without delay if they choose to return home.

The minister expressed concern over the continued attacks against Nigerians and other African migrants, noting that many affected individuals have lived in South Africa for years, with some married to South African citizens and raising families there.

She said Nigeria remained committed to resolving the issue through diplomatic engagement but warned that the government may review additional options if the situation persists.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also questioned the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa despite the significant presence of South African businesses operating in Nigeria, including MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic and Protea.

According to her, no South African business or citizen in Nigeria faces the kind of hostility being directed at Nigerians abroad.

The minister further lamented the reputational damage being inflicted on South Africa by anti-migrant groups, arguing that the actions contradict the pan-African ideals championed by the late Nelson Mandela.

She revealed that South African authorities declined to activate a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Nigeria in October 2025 on an early warning mechanism designed to protect citizens of both countries during periods of tension.

She added that several African countries, including Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, have also begun evacuating their nationals from South Africa as concerns over the attacks continue to intensify.