Xenophobia: Over 15,000 Nigerians stranded as FG evacuates 271 today

Thousands of Nigerians are stranded in South Africa as a deadline set by anti-immigration groups approaches. Over 15,000 citizens wishing to return home face uncertainty, with the Nigerian federal government attempting to expedite their repatriation.

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I am tired; the officials here are asking people for money before they will be included in the list of people to be repatriated.

The latest evacuation effort involves 271 Nigerians, but reports from stranded individuals suggest corruption within the process. Some Nigerians claim that government officials are demanding money to add names to the evacuation list, adding to the distress of those desperate to leave.

Despite these allegations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied any extortion. A spokesperson confirmed that an Air Peace aircraft was scheduled to depart South Africa with the latest batch of evacuees, aiming to bring them to Lagos. The government has committed to continuing repatriation efforts beyond the June 30 deadline, depending on the situation on the ground.

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The return flight is scheduled to depart South Africa at 12:00 midnight and is expected to arrive at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday morning. This will bring home 271 additional Nigerians who have volunteered to return.

This evacuation program, approved by President Bola Tinubu, aims to facilitate the voluntary return of Nigerians following planned anti-immigrant protests. So far, 334 Nigerians have been evacuated in two previous batches.

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The aircraft has not departed yet. They will let me know when it is time, but I do not know the reason for the delay. We are looking at evacuating 271 people, but let us see what happens when they arrive in Lagos.