The Federal Government has commenced plans for the voluntary repatriation of Nigerians in South Africa following xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.
In a statement made on Sunday 3rd May, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said President Bola Tinubu has directed that evacuation flights be provided for Nigerians willing to return home. The minister noted that the safety of Nigerians abroad remains the government’s top priority.
Daily Post Nigeria reports that Odumegwu-Ojukwu said arrangements are underway to collate details of affected citizens, noting that 130 Nigerians have so far registered with the country’s mission in South Africa, and that the number is expected to rise as Nigerian associations in the country continue to support the registration process.
Those willing to be repatriated are required to submit personal details, including a passport photograph, full name, passport biodata page, state of origin, local government area, place of birth, current address, and contact information, alongside proof of circumstances qualifying them for repatriation. Registration for the exercise is free.
The development follows renewed protests and incidents of xenophobic rhetoric in parts of South Africa, particularly in Pretoria and Johannesburg, where demonstrators have blamed undocumented migrants for economic hardship, unemployment, and insecurity.
Government, however, clarified that recent protests in Pretoria and Johannesburg between April 27 and 29, 2026, were largely peaceful, with no recorded killing of any Nigerian or destruction of Nigerian-owned property during that particular protest, though security operatives occasionally used tear gas to disperse gatherings.
Despite the relative calm during those protests, the situation has not been without tragedy. The minister confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians in separate incidents allegedly linked to South African security personnel. Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel died on April 25, 2026, from injuries sustained after being beaten by military personnel of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth on April 20.
Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew also died following an alleged interaction with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, with his body discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary on April 20, 2026.
The minister described the xenophobic attacks as a “repetitive wave,” alleging that anti-foreigner opposition groups sometimes exploit the situation to garner political support. She also stressed Nigeria’s historic role in South Africa’s liberation struggle, warning that Nigerian lives and businesses must not continue to be endangered, and noted that both countries recently signed a memorandum of understanding on early warning mechanisms to protect their citizens.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria over the unrest. The minister also confirmed that another round of demonstrations is expected between May 4 and 8, 2026, and said President Tinubu has directed heightened diplomatic engagement with South African authorities.
