Nigeria evacuates 269 citizens from South Africa amid rising xenophobic tensions and protests
via Punch Nigeria19 min read
The Nigerian government has evacuated 269 citizens from South Africa, marking the second government-coordinated evacuation flight, as xenophobic tensions and anti-immigrant protests escalate. This follows reports of Nigerians seeking refuge at the embassy in Pretoria and concerns over the safety of foreign nationals. A Nigerian businessman, 'Big Joe', was reportedly shot and killed in Mpumalanga Province, though police have not announced the cause of death. Thousands marched in South African cities, demanding the removal of undocumented migrants, with some incidents of looting and vandalism reported. President Cyril Ramaphosa met with protest leaders, urging peace and warning against violence, while acknowledging concerns about immigration. He emphasized that foreign nationals residing lawfully are entitled to legal protection. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the evacuation process is ongoing, with more flights expected to bring back Nigerians who wish to return voluntarily, especially ahead of a June 30 deadline set by South African groups for undocumented foreigners to leave. Nigeria's Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, clarified that some Nigerians stranded outside the embassy had ignored official directives regarding the evacuation process. Retired Nigerian ambassadors have called for strengthened diplomatic engagement, accelerated evacuations, and long-term measures to address the recurring issues, including potentially escalat
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Nigeria's urban logistics landscape is undergoing a transformation, with bicycle couriers becoming an increasingly common sight in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan. This resurgence is driven by rising fuel prices, worsening traffic congestion, and the rapid expansion of e-commerce. While a relatively small part of the informal economy, industry observers note it is among the fastest-growing segments of Nigeria's gig workforce, largely propelled by food delivery apps and online shopping platforms. For many riders, typically young men aged 18 to 35, the job provides income, helps finance education, and serves as a stepping stone for future ambitions. Unlike conventional dispatch riders, bicycle couriers rely on pedal power, allowing them to navigate traffic and access narrow streets, making them effective for short-distance deliveries. The profession has historical roots in Nigeria, dating back to the colonial era for transporting messages and official correspondence. The low entry barrier, with the main expense being a bicycle costing between N50,000 and N120,000, makes it an accessible option for unemployed graduates, students, and school leavers. Technology, including AI and automated dispatch systems, has also improved task allocation fairness. Riders often receive weekly payments, which helps them manage expenses and plan for the future. Despite challenges like heavy rainfall and poor road infrastructure, bicycles offer advantages such as speed, ma
According to statistics released by the Nigerian Correctional Service NCoS on Tuesday, 1,271 offenders are currently serving non-custodial sentences across Nigeria. This total includes 1,137 males and 134 females. Community service is the most common non-custodial measure, with 1,038 offenders, comprising 992 males and 46 females. Additionally, 12 offenders are on parole nine males, three females, and 34 are serving probation sentences 30 males, four females. The NCoS data also indicates that 162 offenders are participating in restorative justice programs 84 males, 78 females, and 25 are under other non-custodial measures 22 males, three females. Overall, males constitute approximately 89 percent of the non-custodial population. The non-custodial service, introduced under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, aims to decongest custodial centers by offering alternatives to imprisonment such as community service, probation, parole, and restorative justice. This reform replaced the Nigerian Prisons Service framework and aligns with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act ACJA 2015. Implementation began in phases, with the Federal Capital Territory and Lagos among the first to adopt these measures, which have since expanded to states like Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Kano, Lagos, and Plateau.
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