Anti-foreigner sentiment: Nigeria may take reciprocal action against South Africa's citizens, says government.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has indicated that it may consider taking retaliatory measures in response to the xenophobic attacks on Nigerian citizens in South Africa, which have led to the repatriation of those who wish to return to their home country.

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According to the government, the repatriation flights for Nigerian citizens, initially scheduled to commence on Monday, have been delayed due to the need for documentation and screening to be carried out in cooperation with the South African authorities.

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A screening exercise for over 1,000 Nigerian citizens in South Africa, which began last Thursday, was set to conclude on Saturday, with the repatriation flight scheduled to take place on Monday.

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However, in a statement to State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, revealed that arrangements are being finalized to evacuate Nigerian citizens who wish to return home.

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When questioned about the possibility of Nigeria restricting privileges for South African citizens in Nigeria as a form of retaliation, Ambassador Ojukwu did not rule out the possibility of taking punitive measures.

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She stated, "Well, that is a situation that we are considering," and emphasized that such a decision would need to be made at the highest level of government.

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Ambassador Ojukwu noted that the option of retaliatory measures is "not off the table," highlighting Nigeria's significant contributions to South Africa's struggle for independence.

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Nigeria, she explained, has made substantial sacrifices, including committing funds and resources, to support South Africa, and has also reserved seats for South African students in its schools.

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Ambassador Ojukwu recalled that her own generation had actively demonstrated in support of South Africa, often carrying placards and facing arrest for their actions.

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Nigerians, she said, are unhappy about the manner in which they have been treated, with the South African government targeting black migrants for expulsion rather than asking all migrants to leave.