The Nigerian government has announced that 202 citizens are currently awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before being evacuated back to Nigeria following recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
The statement, issued on Thursday by Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi, noted that the High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Johannesburg are actively coordinating through diaspora associations to assist those seeking to return home.
The announcement comes as the government expressed gratitude to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), led by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for donating $265,854 (£201,000) to fund 500 one-way tickets for distressed Nigerians.
Over 1,600 repatriated since June
Official figures reveal that the ongoing evacuation process, which commenced on 10 June 2026, has already brought back 1,640 Nigerian nationals:
- 1,385 citizens were fully sponsored by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
- 255 citizens were repatriated through philanthropic donations.
Diplomatic push against xenophobia
The ministry emphasized that diplomatic engagements with South African authorities are continuing alongside the evacuations.
During the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Luanda, Angola, on 30 August 2026, Vice President Kashim Shettima—delivering a statement on behalf of President Bola Tinubu—expressed concern over recurring violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa and called for urgent collective action.
The ministry added that it welcomes further partnerships with private organizations, faith-based groups, and philanthropists to support citizens in the diaspora.
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