The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to ensure that no Nigerian who wishes to return from South Africa is left behind, amid rising xenophobic tensions targeting foreign nationals in several South African cities. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said about 1,000 Nigerians have so far registered for evacuation before the June 30 deadline, with the first batch of 258 already airlifted back home.
She explained that the evacuation is part of the government’s “citizen diplomacy” policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, aimed at protecting Nigerians facing harassment and insecurity abroad. According to her, the executive arm is engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels while also preparing broader responses should the situation persist.
The minister noted that retaliatory actions would follow due legislative processes involving the National Assembly, stressing caution and diplomacy in handling the crisis. She also condemned reports of attacks on migrants, including looting of businesses, intimidation, and killings allegedly carried out by vigilante groups, while criticizing South Africa’s alleged failure to adequately protect foreign nationals.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu warned that the crisis is damaging South Africa’s international reputation and undermining its legacy of Pan-Africanism championed by Nelson Mandela. She added that several countries, including Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, are also evacuating their citizens as insecurity spreads. The minister further revealed that a bilateral early warning agreement between Nigeria and South Africa had been discarded by South African authorities, complicating efforts to prevent future incidents.
