Nigeria has intensified efforts to bring its citizens home from South Africa as concerns grow over escalating anti-migrant violence, with the Federal Government confirming that all Nigerians who wish to return will be evacuated before June 30.
The assurance came from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to protecting Nigerians abroad amid reports of harassment, intimidation and attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
According to the minister, about 1,000 Nigerians have already registered for evacuation, while the first batch of 258 returnees has been successfully airlifted back to Nigeria.
She disclosed that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, received the evacuees at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on behalf of the Federal Government.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said President Tinubu had directed relevant agencies to ensure that Nigerians facing threats or persecution in South Africa and willing to return home receive immediate assistance.
The minister expressed concern that the situation had worsened beyond attacks on Nigerian migrants, alleging that some South African spouses of Nigerians and their children were also being pressured to leave the country.
Describing the development as troubling, she questioned why Nigerians were facing such treatment while South African companies continue to operate freely and profitably in Nigeria.
“There are over 120 South African companies operating in Nigeria. Nobody is asking them to provide proof of identity or questioning their right to do business,” she said, citing major firms such as MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic and Protea.
The minister warned that Nigeria may be forced to review its options regarding South African businesses if the situation continues unchecked. However, she stressed that any action would follow constitutional procedures and due legislative process.
She also revealed that South Africa had yet to activate a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Nigeria in October 2025. The agreement was designed to create an early warning system for protecting the lives and property of citizens of both countries.
According to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, South African authorities later argued that officials who signed the agreement lacked the authority to make it binding, delaying its implementation.
The minister accused anti-migrant vigilante groups of damaging South Africa’s international image through attacks, looting, intimidation and violence directed at foreign nationals.
Invoking the legacy of former South African President Nelson Mandela, she lamented that years of efforts to position South Africa as a symbol of African unity were being undermined by growing xenophobic sentiments.
Despite the tensions, Nigeria said it remains committed to resolving the matter through diplomatic engagement while ensuring the safety of its citizens and exploring all lawful measures available to protect their interests.
