FG Sets June 30 Deadline to Evacuate Nigerians Fleeing Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians residing in South Africa that all citizens who have indicated interest in returning home following recent xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant violence will be evacuated before June 30, 2026.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the assurance in a statement issued on Thursday through her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze.

She said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to the safety, welfare and protection of Nigerians living abroad and would ensure that every citizen willing to return home is accommodated in the ongoing evacuation exercise.

According to the minister, the evacuation process is already underway, with the first batch of returnees arriving in Lagos on June 11. The group was received by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that approximately 1,000 Nigerians had so far registered for evacuation from South Africa, adding that arrangements were being finalised to ensure that the remaining citizens are brought home before the June 30 deadline.

She expressed concern over reports of harassment, discrimination and attacks targeting Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa, noting that Nigeria was actively engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels while also exploring lawful measures to address the situation.

“When it comes to situations like this, it is necessary to exercise caution. But when your citizens are being harassed, then it becomes a serious concern,” the minister said.

She noted that the situation is particularly complex because many affected Nigerians have established families in South Africa, with some married to South African citizens and raising children born in the country.

The minister also questioned what she described as the disparity between the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa and the favourable operating environment enjoyed by major South African companies in Nigeria.

She cited firms such as MTN Nigeria, MultiChoice Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC Bank and Protea Hotels by Marriott as examples of South African-linked businesses operating successfully in Nigeria.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu further lamented that the activities of anti-migrant groups were damaging South Africa’s international reputation and eroding its standing as a symbol of African solidarity in the post-apartheid era.

She revealed that South African authorities had yet to activate an early warning mechanism agreed upon by both countries in October 2025. The mechanism was designed to provide advance alerts and coordinated responses during periods of heightened tension involving citizens of either country.

According to the minister, procedural issues have delayed the implementation of the arrangement despite growing security concerns. She also disclosed that several African countries, including Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, have begun evacuating their nationals from South Africa amid escalating tensions.

The Federal Government confirmed that at least 270 Nigerians have already returned home as part of the first phase of the evacuation programme, with additional flights expected in the coming days as authorities work towards completing the exercise before the June 30 deadline.