Coalition calls for swift return of Nigerian nationals from South Africa

The Nigerian Union South Africa has reiterated its plea to the Federal Government to expedite the repatriation of Nigerians stranded in South Africa, as the country continues to grapple with renewed xenophobic attacks against migrants.

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This call comes on the heels of the Federal Government's repatriation of 258 Nigerians from South Africa on Thursday, June 11, who arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a special Air Peace flight arranged by the government.

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Initially, plans were underway to repatriate more Nigerians, but the Federal Government announced on Monday that the proposed evacuation flight would not take place as scheduled.

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Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, notified journalists of the cancellation via a WhatsApp group, stating, “Good evening, gentlemen of the press, there will be no evacuation flight tomorrow.”

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The cancellation of the planned evacuation flight has sparked uncertainty, prompting the Nigerian Union South Africa to express concern over the delay in evacuating Nigerians awaiting repatriation in a statement issued on Tuesday.

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Smart Nwobi, President-General of the Nigerian Union South Africa, conveyed the organisation's concerns, highlighting that the delay has left many vulnerable citizens disappointed, distressed, and seeking answers regarding their welfare and safe return home.

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Nwobi stressed that the welfare of Nigerians abroad is a constitutional and moral responsibility of the Nigerian government, emphasizing that many citizens awaiting repatriation are facing severe economic hardship and uncertainty.

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He noted, “We are deeply concerned about the plight of our citizens who have been waiting patiently for repatriation, and the inability of the scheduled flight of 15 June 2026 to airlift these Nigerians has further compounded their challenges and raised serious concerns among affected individuals and their families.”

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The Nigerian Union South Africa has called upon Ambassador Temitope Ajayi, the Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant government agencies to urgently clarify the circumstances that prevented the evacuation from proceeding as planned.

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The union emphasized the importance of transparency and timely communication, particularly when the lives, welfare, and safety of Nigerian citizens are involved, stating, “We respectfully urge the relevant authorities to clarify the hurdles that led to the suspension or delay of the repatriation exercise.”

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NUSA also appealed to the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, and the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to work collaboratively towards the immediate resolution of issues affecting the repatriation programme.

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Many stranded Nigerians, according to the union, are eager to return home and rebuild their lives but lack the financial means and logistical support required to do so independently.

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While acknowledging the ongoing efforts of Nigerian diplomatic officials and government institutions, NUSA maintained that a more coordinated and compassionate response is urgently needed to prevent further hardship among affected citizens.

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The organisation stated that it would continue to advocate for the welfare of Nigerians in South Africa and engage relevant stakeholders until a satisfactory resolution is achieved.

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NUSA further urged the Federal Government to act swiftly and remove all obstacles delaying the safe return of stranded Nigerians.