The federal government has urged Nigerians in South Africa to leave the country if they feel unsafe, warning that the final evacuation flight departs on July 10. Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu made the fresh appeal on Monday via her verified X account, announcing a final call for Nigerians wanting to return home.
Nigeria remains deeply worried about its citizens' safety following ongoing xenophobic violence and attacks on migrants in South Africa. The government has demanded that South African authorities urgently probe the deaths of two Nigerians—Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu—and hold those responsible accountable.
"There are no signs that the situation is improving," the minister said. She stressed that Nigerians who believe their lives are at risk should register immediately for the remaining evacuation flights.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended the evacuation programme beyond the June 30 deadline to allow more citizens to return home. The fourth evacuation flight landed in Nigeria on July 3, while another chartered aircraft will fly from Lagos to Johannesburg on July 7.
The final flight is expected to arrive in South Africa on July 10, with the minister urging citizens to utilise all available seats. She cautioned Nigerians still undecided about staying or leaving to carefully weigh the dangers.
Odumegwu Ojukwu warned that seeking help after the evacuation exercise ends may prove futile. "Properties and investments lost can be replaced, but not lives lost," she told reporters, emphasising the gravity of the situation.
She advised citizens yet to decide their fate to act quickly rather than send distress calls after evacuation opportunities have closed. The minister noted that waiting too long could leave Nigerians stranded with no government assistance available.
The evacuation exercise began after violent xenophobic attacks targeted foreign nationals across South Africa. Nigeria has been among the hardest hit, with multiple citizens injured, killed, or losing homes and businesses during the unrest.
Odumegwu Ojukwu reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and safeguarding their welfare. She pledged that the administration will continue taking all necessary steps to ensure citizens' security in foreign lands.
Eligible Nigerians seeking to return home can register at Nigerian diplomatic missions in South Africa. The government has set up dedicated helplines and online platforms to process applications for those wishing to evacuate.
