The Federal Government has assured that no Nigerian who has expressed willingness to return from South Africa will be left behind, following rising concerns over xenophobic threats and a looming deadline issued by anti-immigrant groups in the country.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the assurance in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr Magnus Eze.
According to the minister, about 1,000 Nigerians have so far registered for evacuation from South Africa ahead of a June 30 deadline reportedly set by anti-immigrant groups.
She disclosed that the first batch of 258 Nigerians had already been successfully evacuated and returned to the country. The returnees were received at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, on Thursday, June 11.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad, adding that no Nigerian should be subjected to avoidable suffering or discrimination anywhere in the world.
She noted that the President had directed that Nigerians facing imminent danger in South Africa, and who had voluntarily opted to return home, should be evacuated before the deadline.
On Nigeria’s diplomatic response, the minister explained that while the government is engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels, any retaliatory action would follow due constitutional and legislative processes.
She added that the National Assembly has a crucial role in determining Nigeria’s official response should diplomatic efforts fail to resolve the crisis.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also pointed out the presence of over 120 South African companies operating in Nigeria, stressing that Nigerian authorities have not imposed similar scrutiny or restrictions on them as experienced by Nigerians in South Africa.
She warned that the ongoing situation could damage bilateral relations and economic cooperation between both countries, noting that South African brands such as MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic IBTC, and Protea Hotels remain active in Nigeria’s economy.
The minister further expressed concern over the reputational damage caused by the xenophobic attacks, recalling the legacy of South Africa’s former president, Nelson Mandela, who she said dedicated his life to promoting unity and Pan-Africanism.
She lamented that the actions of anti-migrant vigilante groups were undermining that legacy and tarnishing South Africa’s international image, adding that even within the country, several events and engagements were being cancelled due to the unrest.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also criticised what she described as the South African government’s inadequate protection of African migrants, warning that the situation could strain diplomatic relations further if left unresolved.
She noted that Nigeria is not alone in the evacuation efforts, as countries such as Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique are also repatriating their citizens from South Africa.
The minister further alleged that a previously agreed memorandum of understanding between Nigeria and South Africa on an early warning mechanism—signed to prevent such crises and protect citizens of both countries—had been disregarded by South African authorities.
She explained that the agreement was designed to ensure the protection of lives and property during periods of tension, but claimed that its implementation had been stalled over questions of procedural validity and signatory authority.
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