Nigerian government assures full evacuation of citizens from South Africa by June 30 deadline
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Federal Government of Nigeria has assured its citizens in South Africa that all those willing to return home due to ongoing anti-migrant attacks will be evacuated by June 30. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stated that the Tinubu administration is committed to the safety of Nigerians abroad and no citizen who has expressed interest in returning will be left behind. The evacuation is underway, with 258 Nigerians already airlifted to Lagos on June 11. Approximately 1,000 Nigerians have registered for evacuation, and arrangements are being finalized to bring the remaining 742 citizens home. President Bola Tinubu has directed that Nigerians facing danger and harassment in South Africa who voluntarily opt to return be assisted without delay. Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed concern over reports of discrimination and attacks against Nigerians and other African migrants, noting that Nigeria is engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels. She criticized the uneven treatment of Nigerians compared to South African businesses in Nigeria and highlighted that anti-migrant vigilante groups have damaged South Africa's global image. The Minister also mentioned that South African authorities declined to activate an early warning mechanism signed with Nigeria in October 2025, citing procedural issues. Other countries like Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique have also begun evacuating their nationals.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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