The Federal Government has clarified that Nigerians who wish to return from South Africa will be responsible for funding their own travel, stressing that the repatriation process is entirely voluntary.
Speaking after a meeting between the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Ahmed, and South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, explained that the government’s role will be limited to coordination, not sponsorship.
He noted that individuals interested in returning are expected to contact the Nigerian High Commission and make personal arrangements for their journey. According to him, the government will not provide transportation or deploy any aircraft for evacuation.
Ebienfa revealed that around 130 Nigerians have so far indicated interest in returning home, but their departure will depend on their ability to purchase flight tickets.
He further explained that those seeking to return fall into two categories: individuals who feel unsafe despite having valid travel documents, and others facing immigration issues such as expired permits or documentation violations, who are seeking assistance to return legally.
This development comes amid growing tensions and reported xenophobic attacks in parts of South Africa, raising safety concerns for foreign nationals, including Nigerians. Recent reports also suggest that two Nigerians were killed in separate incidents allegedly involving members of the South African National Defence Force.
In response, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, has summoned the South African envoy to address concerns over the treatment and safety of Nigerian citizens.