The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of Nigerians residing in South Africa as renewed xenophobic tensions and anti-immigrant protests intensify across the country.
This assurance follows a series of troubling incidents, including violent attacks, large-scale protests, and the recent evacuation of Nigerian nationals.
Heightened Tensions and Government Response
Concerns have grown following reports of Nigerians storming the embassy in Pretoria amid escalating hostilities. On Tuesday, a second government-coordinated evacuation flight landed at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, bringing home 269 Nigerians who had fled the unrest. This follows a previous evacuation of 66 Nigerians on June 24, facilitated by a private Nigerian citizen.
The latest wave of evacuations comes after the tragic killing of a prominent Nigerian businessman, known as ‘Big Joe’, who was shot outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga Province. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances of his death.
Across South Africa, thousands marched in major cities, demanding the removal of undocumented migrants. Police and private security forces were deployed to forestall violence as anti-migrant groups set deadlines for foreign nationals to leave. Despite the largely peaceful nature of the protests, incidents of looting, vandalism, and assaults were reported, with several arrests made in areas such as Soweto and KwaZulu-Natal.
Evacuation Efforts and Diplomatic Actions
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, emphasized that evacuation operations remain ongoing, and more flights are expected in the coming days to repatriate all Nigerians who have registered for voluntary return. The latest evacuees were received in Lagos by senior ministry officials, who conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reassurances and reiterated the government’s resolve to protect its citizens abroad.
Nigerian authorities have also intensified diplomatic engagement with their South African counterparts, demanding thorough investigations into the deaths of Nigerians and calling for strengthened protection measures for those who remain in the country.
Shelter and Humanitarian Support
Many Nigerians, displaced by the violence or in anticipation of evacuation, have taken shelter at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, churches, or other safe locations. The Nigerian Union South Africa, along with other organizations, has been providing temporary shelter, food, and humanitarian relief to affected citizens.
Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, explained that only those screened and approved for evacuation are being called for flights, urging community members to await official communication to ensure orderliness. He noted that hundreds of Nigerians have been screened, with around 700 still awaiting evacuation.
Challenges with Immigration Documentation
Community leaders highlighted persistent challenges faced by Nigerians in renewing passports and South African residence permits. Mr. Leo Azebeokhai, Deputy Chairman of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), urged the Federal Government to deploy mobile passport enrolment units and to engage South African authorities on reducing bureaucratic delays, which often force Nigerians into undocumented status.
Calls for Stronger Diplomatic and Policy Actions
Retired Nigerian diplomats and community leaders have called on the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts, speed up evacuation processes, and pursue long-term strategies to protect Nigerians in South Africa. Recommendations include:
- Establishing an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate evacuation and reintegration,
- Escalating the matter to the African Union for collective action,
- Considering economic sanctions against South African business interests in Nigeria,
- Launching public awareness campaigns to caution against unnecessary travel to South Africa.
Student and Community Reactions
The National Association of University Students (NAUS) has condemned the xenophobic attacks, warning of nationwide protests in Nigeria should the South African government fail to address the situation within a week. NAUS called for investigations, prosecutions, and increased protection for foreign nationals.
Meanwhile, the President of the Association of Yorubas in Diaspora, Dr. Olusola Agbeniyi, confirmed that recent anti-migrant protests ended peacefully, with no attacks on Nigerians. Nevertheless, vigilance remains high among Nigerian communities.
Conclusion
As anti-immigrant protests continue and the threat of violence lingers, the Federal Government remains committed to the evacuation and protection of Nigerians in South Africa. Ongoing diplomatic engagement, humanitarian support, and policy review are central to Nigeria’s response to the evolving crisis.
