Nigeria Finalizes Evacuation Plans for Stranded Citizens in South Africa

The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg says it has reached the final stage of arrangements to assist stranded and destitute Nigerians willing to return home from South Africa amid rising xenophobic tensions.

According to the consulate’s Social Secretary, Cynthia Akiga, the process has been ongoing since April and is aimed at supporting undocumented and financially stranded Nigerians while also collaborating with South African authorities to address illegal migration concerns.

The consulate disclosed that plans were underway to organise a special evacuation flight for affected Nigerians who cannot afford airfare, in partnership with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria.

Officials said the initiative is part of broader diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to protect Nigerian nationals and reduce vulnerabilities linked to anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa.

The consulate also confirmed that several safety measures had been introduced, including public advisories, diplomatic engagements with South African authorities, and legal interventions involving Nigerian lawyers and civil society groups.

In an earlier notice, Nigerian residents in South Africa were warned against physically confronting demonstrators following reports that anti-foreigner groups planned nationwide protests across the country’s nine provinces.

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The mission stated that some protest groups accused foreigners of benefiting disproportionately from South Africa’s economy, further heightening tensions around immigration and employment.

Nigerians seeking evacuation assistance were asked to submit identification details, contact information, and proof of nationality as part of the registration process being coordinated by the consulate.

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