The Federal Government will commence the voluntary repatriation of Nigerians from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks in Johannesburg and Durban, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the evacuation targets Nigerians who feel unsafe and wish to return home. She stated that the High Commission in Pretoria has opened a help desk and emergency lines to register affected citizens.
The move comes after shops and businesses owned by foreign nationals were looted in Jeppestown and Hillbrow earlier this week. At least 12 Nigerians sustained injuries, according to the Nigerian Union South Africa, NUSA. The South African Police Service confirmed 27 arrests and increased patrols in affected areas. NUSA President Collins Mgbo welcomed the Federal Government’s response, saying many Nigerians had lost goods worth millions of naira and no longer feel secure.
NEMA Director General Zubaida Umar said the first batch of returnees is expected in Lagos next week. Returnees will undergo profiling in Pretoria and Johannesburg before airlifting, and will receive stipends, medical screening and psychosocial support on arrival. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will handle reintegration. Air Peace will coordinate the flights in partnership with NEMA.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Abuja has summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner for talks and expects Pretoria to “take decisive steps to protect Nigerians and prosecute perpetrators.” President Bola Tinubu has directed the Foreign Ministry to work with the African Union on a lasting solution to migrant attacks. This is the third major evacuation from South Africa since 2019, when over 600 Nigerians were airlifted.
