By Jeremy Fregene
The Federal Government is ratcheting up its evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa with 1,000 scheduled to be airlifted before June 30.
Amid growing concerns over anti-migrant attacks, harassment, and intimidation, Foreign Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, assured citizens that no Nigerian who wishes to return home will be left behind.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the Tinubu administration was fully committed to bringing back all registered Nigerians before the June 30 deadline set for the evacuation exercise.
The minister’s assurance was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze.
According to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the evacuation operation is already underway, with the first batch of 258 Nigerians successfully repatriated from South Africa.
The returnees arrived in Lagos on June 11 and were received at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
She disclosed that close to 1,000 Nigerians had so far registered for evacuation, meaning arrangements were being concluded to bring home more than 742 additional citizens over the coming days.
The minister said the evacuation exercise was directed by President Bola Tinubu following reports of escalating hostility against Nigerians and other African migrants living in South Africa.
She stressed that the Federal Government would not abandon any Nigerian affected by the situation and reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of citizens abroad.
“We will ensure that every Nigerian who has indicated a desire to return home is evacuated. No one will be left behind,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed concern over reports that many Nigerians in South Africa had become targets of harassment and attacks despite having lived in the country for years.
She noted that a significant number of those affected have established families, businesses, and careers in South Africa, with some married to South African citizens and raising children there.
According to her, the crisis has evolved beyond a simple immigration issue and now presents a humanitarian challenge affecting thousands of lives and livelihoods.
The minister questioned the basis for the hostility directed at Nigerians, pointing out that relations between Nigeria and South Africa have historically been strong and mutually beneficial.
She observed that South African businesses continue to operate freely and profitably in Nigeria without facing discrimination or intimidation.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that more than 120 South African companies currently do business in Nigeria, including major corporations such as MTN Group, MultiChoice, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, and Protea Hotels.
She said Nigeria has consistently provided a welcoming environment for South African citizens and businesses and expects the same level of protection and fairness for Nigerians residing in South Africa.
The minister disclosed that diplomatic engagements with South African authorities were ongoing, with both countries exploring measures to de-escalate tensions and safeguard affected communities.
She added that the Federal Government was also considering other lawful and diplomatic options to address the situation if necessary, stressing that any action taken would be consistent with constitutional provisions and due legislative processes.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Nigeria and South Africa in October 2025 to establish an early-warning mechanism for protecting citizens of both countries during periods of tension had yet to become operational.
She said the government would continue to pursue all available diplomatic channels while accelerating evacuation efforts to ensure the safety of Nigerians who choose to return home.