Approximately 15,000 Nigerians currently reside in South Africa while seeking to return home before a June 30 deadline set by local anti-immigration groups. Despite government efforts to expedite the repatriation process, many citizens report being unable to secure a spot on the flights.
Reports have surfaced alleging that some officials in South Africa are demanding bribes to include individuals on evacuation lists. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially denied these claims, the federal government confirms that evacuation flights will persist past the June 30 deadline. Foreign Minister Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated that President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring every citizen wishing to return is brought home safely.
An Air Peace flight carrying 271 Nigerians is currently in progress, following the successful return of 334 others in previous batches. Air Peace officials noted that operational delays have hindered the schedule, but the mission remains a priority under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Meanwhile, the Nigerian High Commission has issued safety warnings to those remaining in South Africa, advising them to avoid protest hotspots.
These tensions follow reports of violence against foreign nationals, including the recent shooting of a Nigerian businessman in Mpumalanga. Smart Nwobi, president of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians amid the climate of hostility, highlighting the urgent need for safety measures as the country prepares for potential unrest.
