By Muhammad Abubakar
The Nigerian government has launched an emergency voluntary repatriation program for its citizens in South Africa following a violent wave of xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant demonstrations.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu confirmed on Monday that at least 130 Nigerians have already registered to leave, with that number expected to climb as tensions persist. The decision follows the reported killings of two Nigerians in separate incidents involving local security personnel, alongside viral footage showing the harassment of African migrants in several South African cities.
“The safety of our nationals is non-negotiable,” the Minister stated, noting that the government has summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner to express “profound concern” over the deteriorating situation.
The Nigerian High Commission and Consulate are currently coordinating logistics to facilitate the return of those who feel unsafe. This surge in violence has also prompted other West African nations, including Ghana, to issue emergency safety advisories to their citizens.
While both governments have historically worked to maintain strong bilateral ties, Nigerian officials warned that the continued failure to protect foreign nationals could severely strain the relationship between the continent’s two largest economies.