Nigeria moves to evacuate citizens from South Africa as xenophobic attacks escalate, with over 700 more Nigerians expected home before June 30.PDP 2027 presidential ticket zoned to southern region
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to bringing home all Nigerians who have registered for evacuation from South Africa amid rising concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that the evacuation exercise is progressing steadily, assuring that every Nigerian who has expressed willingness to return home will be evacuated before the June 30 deadline set by the government.
The minister’s assurance comes as fears continue to grow over the impact of xenophobic attacks on African migrants living and working in South Africa.
Reports of intimidation, harassment and forced displacement have prompted several countries to begin emergency evacuation plans for their citizens.
According to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, approximately 1,000 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation.
The first phase of the operation was successfully completed on June 11, when 258 Nigerians arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.
Government officials confirmed that arrangements are being finalized to evacuate the remaining citizens in the coming days.
If completed as planned, more than 742 Nigerians will be airlifted back to Nigeria before the end of the month.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed relevant agencies to prioritize the safety of Nigerians affected by the crisis.
She noted that the administration remains deeply concerned about reports of xenophobic attacks and discrimination directed at Nigerians and other African migrants residing in South Africa.
According to the minister, many of the affected individuals have spent years building their lives in the country. Some own businesses, while others have established families through marriages with South African citizens. She observed that many children caught in the situation have known South Africa as their only home.
She expressed concern that some migrants are now facing pressure to leave the country alongside their spouses and children despite having lived peacefully in their communities for years.
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While focusing on the evacuation effort, the Nigerian government is also pursuing diplomatic engagement with South African authorities. The minister explained that Nigeria remains committed to resolving the matter through dialogue and legal channels while protecting the rights of its citizens abroad.
She stressed that the growing wave of xenophobic attacks requires urgent attention, not only because of the immediate threat to lives and property but also because of the broader implications for relations between African nations.
The minister questioned the apparent imbalance in the treatment of citizens between both countries. She pointed out that South African companies continue to operate successfully across Nigeria without facing hostility or restrictions.
According to her, more than 120 South African firms are actively doing business in Nigeria across sectors such as telecommunications, financial services, hospitality and entertainment.
She cited major brands including MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic and Protea as examples of companies benefiting from Nigeria’s business-friendly environment.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that South African employees working in Nigeria are not subjected to harassment, identity checks or attempts to seize their businesses. She argued that the same level of respect and protection should be extended to Nigerians living in South Africa.
The minister further warned that the continued occurrence of xenophobic attacks is damaging South Africa’s reputation both on the African continent and internationally. She lamented that the actions of anti-migrant groups are undermining decades of efforts to promote African unity and cooperation.
She referenced the legacy of former South African President Nelson Mandela, whose commitment to Pan-African ideals earned global admiration.
According to her, ongoing hostility against migrants threatens to erode the image of inclusiveness and solidarity that Mandela worked tirelessly to build.
Beyond diplomatic concerns, the minister said the situation is beginning to affect South Africa’s attractiveness as a destination for tourism, investment and international events. She noted that negative publicity surrounding the attacks could have long-term consequences if decisive action is not taken.
The Federal Government also revealed challenges in implementing a bilateral agreement designed to protect citizens of both countries.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Nigeria and South Africa in October 2025 has yet to become operational.
The agreement established an early warning mechanism intended to help both nations respond quickly to threats against their citizens during periods of tension.
However, South African authorities reportedly informed Nigeria that further procedures were required before the document could take effect.
Despite this setback, Nigerian officials say diplomatic engagements will continue as both countries seek solutions to the crisis.
The growing concern over xenophobic attacks has also prompted action from other African governments. Countries such as Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique have reportedly begun evacuating their nationals from South Africa amid fears for their safety.
Observers say the coordinated responses from multiple governments highlight the seriousness of the situation and the urgent need for measures that guarantee the protection of migrants regardless of nationality.
As the evacuation exercise enters its final phase, Nigerian authorities maintain that no registered citizen will be left behind.
The government says it remains focused on ensuring the safe return of all willing evacuees while continuing efforts to address the underlying issues fueling xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
With hundreds of Nigerians still awaiting transportation home, attention now turns to the successful completion of the evacuation programme and the broader diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing future incidents from threatening the lives and livelihoods of African migrants.