Nigerian lawyer advocates for safe exit of Nigerians from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks

Speaking on Arise News, Anyiam commended the government's intervention but stressed the need for more assistance, noting that thousands of Nigerians still require help to return home. He highlighted that while the Federal Government handled five evacuation batches, private organizations like Air Peace, ValueJet Airlines, and the Igbo Lawyers Association sponsored or subsidized others, with the Igbo Lawyers Association alone funding the evacuation of 33 Nigerians. Anyiam also pointed out a significant challenge: undocumented Nigerians wishing to leave are being arrested at airports, even if they can afford their own tickets.

He called for the Nigerian government to negotiate a blanket waiver with South African authorities to allow these individuals to depart without fear of arrest. Furthermore, Anyiam appealed to wealthy Nigerians, businesses, and faith-based organizations for support, describing the situation as a humanitarian crisis. He rejected calls for retaliatory measures against South Africa, advocating instead for increased evacuation flights and protection for Nigerians awaiting departure, emphasizing that this extraordinary situation demands extraordinary measures from both governments.