Nigeria plans return flights for citizens in South Africa

Nigeria is preparing voluntary return flights for its citizens in South Africa following a wave of attacks and anti-migrant protests that have raised safety concerns, according to a BBC report .

Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said at least 130 Nigerians have already registered for repatriation, with more expected as authorities compile details of those seeking assistance. The move comes as President Bola Tinubu’s administration increases diplomatic pressure over what it describes as growing risks to Nigerian lives and businesses.

Nigeria has summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner and is expected to formally present its concerns during diplomatic talks. Officials say the discussions will focus on recent marches by anti-immigrant groups and reported cases of violence and harassment targeting foreign nationals.

The Nigerian government has also called for justice following incidents in which two of its citizens were killed in separate encounters involving local security personnel, while reports from local media indicate that other African nationals have also been affected in recent weeks.

The tensions follow a series of protests in cities including Johannesburg and Pretoria, where anti-immigrant groups have demanded stricter enforcement against undocumented migrants.

Some demonstrations have included calls for foreign-owned businesses to shut down and for individuals to produce identification documents in public spaces, incidents also noted by the Associated Press.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence, while urging foreign nationals to respect local laws. In a recent address marking Freedom Day, he also highlighted the historical support South Africa received from other African countries during the anti-apartheid struggle, a point widely reported by regional outlets including Channels Television.

South Africa remains the continent’s most industrialised economy and continues to attract migrants seeking work. However, rising unemployment and economic pressures have contributed to recurring anti-immigrant sentiment, with tensions periodically escalating into violence.

Nigeria’s planned repatriation effort is framed as a voluntary measure, aimed at providing support to citizens who feel unsafe, while diplomatic engagement continues between the two countries.

source:BBC report