The Federal Government has announced plans to evacuate more Nigerians from South Africa following renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant violence.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed the plan on Monday through her verified social media platforms.
She said the government remained committed to protecting the safety and welfare of Nigerians living abroad.
According to the minister, the ongoing documentation of Nigerians willing to return home from South Africa has entered its final stage.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged citizens who feel unsafe to take advantage of the Federal Government-sponsored evacuation flights before the exercise ends.
She said Nigeria remained concerned about the security situation in South Africa, especially following the deaths of two Nigerians, Musa Yunana Joe and Emeka Charles Iroegbu.
The minister called on South African authorities to urgently investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
She said Nigerians who believe their lives are at risk should not delay in registering for evacuation.
According to her, there are no clear signs that the situation is improving.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said President Bola Tinubu had approved the extension of the evacuation exercise beyond the earlier June 30 deadline.
She explained that the extension was granted to give more Nigerians an opportunity to return home safely.
The minister said the fourth evacuation flight had already arrived in Nigeria on July 3 after three earlier evacuation operations.
She added that another flight would leave for Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7, to bring home more Nigerian citizens.
According to her, the final evacuation flight is expected to arrive in South Africa on July 10.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged Nigerians in South Africa to carefully weigh the risks of remaining in the country or returning home.
She warned that sending distress calls after the evacuation window has closed may not help those who had earlier refused the opportunity to leave.
The minister said properties and investments lost during a crisis can be replaced, but human lives cannot.
She advised Nigerians who feel exposed to danger to prioritise their safety and make use of the available evacuation arrangements.
The latest development comes amid renewed tension over attacks on migrants in South Africa and growing concern among Nigerian communities in the country.
The Federal Government said it would continue to engage South African authorities while taking necessary steps to protect Nigerians affected by the unrest.
The evacuation exercise has become part of Nigeria’s broader response to the safety concerns facing its nationals in South Africa.
