FG begins plans to evacuate Nigerians from South Africa over renewed attacks
The Federal Government on Thursday said it would not remain indifferent while Nigerians face harassment and humiliation in South Africa, declaring that arrangements are underway to evacuate citizens willing to
The Federal Government on Thursday said it would not remain indifferent while Nigerians face harassment and humiliation in South Africa, declaring that arrangements are underway to evacuate citizens willing to return home.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known while responding to concerns raised by South African authorities over Nigeria’s planned evacuation of its nationals amid renewed protests targeting foreign nationals in the country.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the Nigerian government could not stand by while its citizens resident in South Africa continue to face intimidation and attacks.
In a statement shared on her X handle, the minister disclosed that she had engaged with her South African counterpart on the situation, stressing that the immediate priority of the Federal Government is to facilitate the safe return of Nigerians who voluntarily wish to come back home.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of Nigerians abroad.
She stated, “This morning, I had a phone conversation with Hon Ronald Lamola, South Africa Foreign Affairs Minister who expressed concern and misgivings concerning the plans by the government of Nigeria to evacuate its citizens desirous of leaving the Republic of South Africa due to the recent xenophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments openly expressed during continuing anti-migrant protests in South Africa, the latest of which took place in Durban, South Africa, yesterday 6th May 2026.
“I maintained that our Government cannot stand by and watch the systematic harassment and humiliation of our nationals resident in SA as well as the extra-judicial killings of our people, and that the evacuation of our citizens who want to return home remains our Government's priority at this time.
“I also highlighted the need for their police and justice systems to take the cases on the ground of extra-judicial killings of Nigerians in South Africa more seriously, and that there should be clear and immediate consequences for such acts.”
On other pressing issues discussed, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, “Our discussions also centred on the violent and indiscriminate rhetoric and actions of South Africa's anti-foreigner political parties, which put the lives and properties of Nigerian and other nationals at risk, but which conversely might also have the effect of jeopardising the safety of South African interests in Nigeria. Nigerians have exercised, and continue to demonstrate commendable restraint, in their response to the ongoing crisis.
“I also brought to his attention, having engaged with some of our Nationals resident with their families in South Africa, the unfortunate fact that Nigerian children, as well as children born of both Nigerian and South African parents (referred to as 'Sougerians' ), are being wrongfully bullied in schools and taunted to 'return to their country'. This is reprehensible and capable of causing trauma to young minds for whom such incidents may remain etched in memory.”
The Minister quoted her counterpart as having assured her that the South African authorities recognise their responsibility to protect lives.
“Hon. Lamola informed that the SA authorities recognise that they have a responsibility to protect these innocent children and are doing their utmost through education supervisory bodies to discourage these practices.”
She added, “While we both pledged to continue to work together to de-escalate this crisis, noting the vehement condemnations of the President of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa and SA Government of the prevailing state of affairs, what is worrisome to our citizens both in Nigeria and those resident in South Africa is that the demand that all foreigners leave South Africa, appears to be targeted only towards black Africans which makes one wonder whether what is happening should not be more accurately defined as 'Afriphobia' rather than Xenophobia.”
Meanwhile, the Minister disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that the Nigerian Missions in South Africa set up, with immediate effect, a crisis notifications unit for imperilled citizens who have also been advised first and foremost to contact SA security authorities whenever dangerous situations arise.”
Given updates on the ongoing protest, the Minister said no Nigerian was attacked in Wednesday’s protest; she, however, said Nigerians were advised to close their shops.
According to her, “Yesterday's protests in Durban did not record acts of violence as there was a heavy security presence. However, Nigerians were advised to close their shops and businesses and stay largely indoors by the Mission.”
