FG sets June 30 deadline to evacuate Nigerians from S’Africa

The Nigerian government has assured its citizens in South Africa that all those wishing to return home will be evacuated by June 30, as anti-migrant violence continues in the neighboring country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that President Bola Tinubu has directed swift assistance for Nigerians exposed to danger and harassment.

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has assured that no Nigerian who has indicated interest in leaving South Africa would be left behind.

So far, about 1,000 Nigerians have registered for evacuation. The first batch of 258 nationals has already been airlifted and received by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The government emphasized its commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad, ensuring no one willing to leave will be left behind.

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So far, about 1,000 Nigerians have registered to be evacuated from South Africa before the June 30 deadline.

The situation has escalated to a point where South African spouses of Nigerians and their children are also reportedly being asked to leave the country. This has raised serious concerns for the Nigerian government, especially given the long-standing presence of many Nigerians in South Africa, some of whom are married to South Africans and have children who consider the country their only home.

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The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb Sola Enikanolaiye, received the evacuees at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday, June 11, 2026, on behalf of the Federal Government.

In response to the escalating crisis and the treatment of Nigerians, the Federal Government is considering reviewing its relationship with South African businesses operating in Nigeria. Companies like MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic, and Protea, which have a significant presence in the Nigerian market, could face scrutiny. This potential review signals Nigeria's displeasure and its readiness to take reciprocal measures if the situation is not adequately addressed.

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When it comes to situations like this, of course, it is necessary to be temperate and exercise caution. But when your citizens are being harassed, when your citizens are people who have spent years there, and mind you, some of them are married to South Africans and have children who have known no other home but South Africa, then it becomes a serious concern.