Nigeria has intensified diplomatic pressure on the government of South Africa over renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, while also vowing to evacuate all Nigerians who have indicated willingness to return home, as tensions escalate and evacuation efforts gather momentum ahead of a June 30 deadline reportedly issued by anti-immigrant groups.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the assurance in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze.
She disclosed that about 1,000 Nigerians had already registered for evacuation from South Africa, stressing that the Federal Government had activated both diplomatic and operational mechanisms to ensure their safe return.
According to her, the first batch of 258 Nigerian nationals has already been successfully repatriated and received in Nigeria, marking the beginning of a phased evacuation exercise coordinated by the Federal Government.
The returnees airlifted by Air Peace, were received at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the evacuation operation reflects the commitment of the administration of President Bola Tinubu to the protection of Nigerians abroad, adding that no citizen would be abandoned in the face of discriminatory or violent conduct.
She explained that Nigerians in South Africa who are at risk and have voluntarily indicated willingness to return would be assisted to leave before the expiration of the deadline, while diplomatic engagements continue between both countries.
The minister emphasised that Nigeria would remain a law-abiding nation in its response, noting that any retaliatory or policy actions would follow due constitutional and legislative processes.
She further stated that the executive arm of government was actively engaging South African authorities through established diplomatic channels, while broader multilateral consultations were also ongoing.
According to her, the National Assembly of Nigeria also has a constitutional responsibility in shaping Nigeria’s response should diplomatic efforts fail to halt the attacks on Nigerians and their businesses.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed concern over continued xenophobic violence, warning that the situation, if not urgently addressed, could strain bilateral relations between the two countries.
She noted that several South African companies continue to operate in Nigeria without restriction, including MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic IBTC, and Protea Hotels, stressing that Nigeria continues to uphold economic reciprocity despite recurring tensions.
The minister warned that the persistence of such attacks may compel Nigeria to reassess its diplomatic and economic options if the safety of its citizens continues to be threatened.
She also described the developments as a serious reputational setback for South Africa, recalling the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela, who she said devoted his life to promoting reconciliation and Pan-African unity.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further said several African countries, including Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, were also evacuating their nationals amid rising concerns.
She also alleged that South African authorities had withdrawn from a previously signed memorandum of understanding on an early warning mechanism agreed with Nigeria in October 2025, which was intended to prevent escalation of violence and protect citizens of both countries during crises.
The Federal government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigerians abroad, insisting that evacuation efforts will continue alongside sustained diplomatic engagement aimed at securing the protection of Nigerian citizens and their businesses in South Africa.