The Federal Government has commenced arrangements for the voluntary evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa following a rise in anti-foreigner protests and xenophobic tensions in parts of the country.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed on Sunday that 130 Nigerians have already registered for voluntary repatriation flights, with the figure expected to rise as more citizens seek assistance to return home. “Consequently, arrangements are currently underway to collate details of Nigerians in South Africa for voluntary repatriation flights for those seeking assistance to return home. So far 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with our mission in S.A, but this figure is expected to rise,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said President Bola Tinubu directed that the safety of Nigerians abroad must come first. “The President has reiterated that the priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens,” she stated.
The move follows weeks of anti-migrant demonstrations in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, East London and KwaZulu-Natal, where protests have targeted foreign-owned businesses and led to harassment and violence. Two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, died in separate incidents linked to security encounters, according to the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg.
The Nigerian Consulate in South Africa, working with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has offered free repatriation flights to Nigerians who wish to leave the country permanently. NICASA President Frank Onyekwelu said the process is ongoing and several individuals have already registered. “The Nigerian Consulate in conjunction with NICASA has offered a free repatriation flight to any Nigerian who wishes to leave South Africa permanently, and the process is ongoing,” he said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that Nigerian associations in South Africa are assisting the mission in the registration process. She added that Nigeria is engaging South African authorities to address the situation and ensure the safety of citizens while efforts continue to de-escalate tensions.
The Federal Government has also summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria for a high-level meeting scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja. The meeting is intended to formally communicate Nigeria’s “profound concern” over recent developments, which authorities say could strain diplomatic and economic relations.
The minister described the attacks as a “repetitive wave”, alleging that anti-foreigner opposition groups sometimes exploit the situation to gain political support. “Nigerian lives and businesses in South Africa must not continue to be put at risk, and we remain committed to working with South Africa to explore ways to put an end to this xenophobic pattern. It has become a repetitive wave, most especially prior to elections in South Africa,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu recalled Nigeria’s historical role in South Africa’s liberation struggle. “Nigeria is a frontline state that made great sacrifices towards the liberation struggles of South Africa, a fact which needs to be distilled down to the younger generation in South Africa,” she said.
She said both countries recently signed a memorandum of understanding on early warning mechanisms aimed at preventing and managing crises affecting citizens of both nations. “Discussions with my South African counterparts on this matter are ongoing, and Nigeria recently signed a memorandum of understanding with South Africa on early warning to protect citizens of both countries, especially in times such as these,” she added.
NICASA said many Nigerians have been forced to shut down their shops and businesses, with no structured relief system for those impacted beyond the evacuation arrangement. “We are living in fear. No one dares open their shop. Once they see that your shop is open, they attack, loot your goods and assault anyone they identify as a foreigner,” a Nigerian trader in Johannesburg said.
The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate in Johannesburg are compiling data for a special evacuation flight for citizens who wish to return but cannot afford airfare.
