Nigeria sets June 30 deadline for citizen evacuation from South Africa amid anti-migrant violence
via Punch Nigeria11 min read
The Federal Government of Nigeria has set a June 30 deadline to evacuate its citizens from South Africa due to ongoing anti-migrant violence. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stated that approximately 1,000 Nigerians have registered for evacuation, with the first batch of 258 already airlifted. The minister warned that Nigeria might review options against South African businesses operating in Nigeria, such as MTN, MultiChoice, and Stanbic, given the escalating situation. She expressed concern that South African spouses and children of Nigerians are also being asked to leave. Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the disparity, noting that over 120 South African companies operate freely in Nigeria without similar harassment. She also revealed that South African authorities declined to activate an early warning mechanism Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2025, claiming those who signed lacked authority. Nigeria continues diplomatic engagements but will explore other lawful options, including legislative action, if attacks persist. The minister described the anti-migrant attacks as damaging to South Africa's continental standing, contrasting it with Nelson Mandela's legacy of pan-Africanism.
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