The Federal Government has begun arrangements for the voluntary repatriation of Nigerians residing in South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has directed that evacuation flights be made available for citizens willing to return home.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained that efforts are already underway to compile details of affected Nigerians, revealing that about 130 individuals have registered so far with Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in South Africa.
She noted that the figure is expected to increase as Nigerian community groups continue to assist in the registration process.
The minister described the attacks as a “repetitive wave”, alleging that anti-foreigner groups sometimes exploit such tensions for political advantage.
“Nigerian lives and businesses in South Africa must not continue to be put at risk,” she said.
She added that the Nigerian government is actively engaging South African authorities to address the situation, pointing out that both countries recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on early warning systems to safeguard citizens during periods of tension.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also urged leaders of Nigerian associations in South Africa to urgently compile lists of citizens who wish to return home but lack the financial means to do so.
According to her, the Nigerian consulate is working closely with the High Commission in Pretoria to gather necessary data for the arrangement of a special evacuation flight.
She further explained that Nigerians interested in the repatriation programme are required to submit personal details, including passport photographs, full name, passport biodata page, state of origin, local government area, place of birth, current address, and contact information, along with proof of circumstances that qualify them for evacuation.
The minister emphasised that registration for the repatriation exercise is free.
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