The Federal Government of Nigeria has assured citizens residing in South Africa that no Nigerian who wishes to return home will be abandoned, following rising tensions linked to anti-immigration threats in the country.
The assurance was given by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, according to a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr Magnus Eze, in Abuja.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that approximately 1,000 Nigerians have so far registered for voluntary evacuation from South Africa ahead of a June 30 deadline issued by anti-immigrant groups.
She confirmed that the Federal Government has already evacuated the first batch of 258 Nigerian citizens, who were received at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on June 11.
The evacuees were received by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
The minister reiterated that the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad.
According to her, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that all Nigerians who voluntarily wish to return due to safety concerns must be assisted without delay.
She stressed that government agencies are actively coordinating evacuation plans to ensure safe return for affected citizens.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria is engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels to address rising tensions and protect Nigerian nationals.
She added that any further response measures would follow constitutional and legislative procedures, involving collaboration with the National Assembly.
According to her, Nigeria is also considering broader diplomatic options if attacks on Nigerians and their businesses continue.
The minister expressed concern over the treatment of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, including citizens of Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, who are also undertaking evacuation processes.
She noted that retaliatory attacks by anti-migrant groups were damaging South Africa’s international reputation and undermining its Pan-African legacy.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu referenced Nigeria’s strong economic ties with South Africa, highlighting major companies such as MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic IBTC, and Protea Hotels operating in Nigeria.
She also criticised the alleged suspension of an early warning cooperation agreement between Nigeria and South Africa, signed in October 2025, which was intended to prevent crises affecting citizens in both countries.
According to her, the breakdown of the agreement has weakened coordinated efforts to protect migrants and their property.
The Foreign Affairs Minister emphasised the need for stronger African unity and protection of citizens across borders, warning that continued hostility against migrants could damage regional cooperation and economic integration.
She urged South African authorities to take urgent steps to protect foreign nationals and prevent further escalation.
