Another 65 Nigerians are scheduled to return home from South Africa today, Wednesday, August 26, amid continuing concerns over the safety and welfare of foreign nationals following reports of anti-foreigner attacks and discrimination in parts of the country.
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, saying the latest group of returnees is being sponsored by private individuals.
According to the ministry, the Nigerians are expected to depart the Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 3:30 p.m. local time aboard South African Airways and arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 8:45 p.m. the same day.
The planned return comes against the backdrop of renewed concerns over anti-foreigner sentiment and reported attacks targeting African migrants in South Africa.
Growing concerns over safety
The latest repatriation exercise reflects the continuing unease among some Nigerians living in South Africa as tensions surrounding migration and foreign nationals remain a major public issue.
Nigeria has previously raised concerns about the treatment of its citizens in South Africa, particularly following reports of violence, harassment and attacks linked to anti-immigrant sentiment.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly called for the protection of its citizens and urged South African authorities to ensure that Nigerians and other foreign nationals are able to live and conduct legitimate businesses without fear of violence.
South African officials, however, have pushed back against the blanket description of the country as xenophobic. South Africa’s Consul-General, Prof. Bobby Moroe, recently argued that describing the entire country as xenophobic was unfair, highlighting the distinction between criminal attacks and the broader South African population.
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Another group follows 83 returnees
The 65 Nigerians scheduled to return today are the latest group to benefit from privately sponsored repatriation arrangements.
Last week, another 83 Nigerians returned from South Africa following arrangements supported by private individuals. The latest group therefore brings the number of Nigerians announced for return through these recent private sponsorship arrangements to 148. (Daily Times)
The development follows a much larger voluntary evacuation exercise conducted by the Federal Government earlier in the year.
In July, the government announced that it had completed its fifth phase of voluntary evacuation, bringing the total number of Nigerians repatriated under that programme to 1,490. (Punch Newspapers)
Government coordinates safe return
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed appreciation to the private individuals sponsoring the latest return exercise and other stakeholders assisting with the process.
The ministry also assured that relevant Nigerian government agencies would continue coordinating the safe return of Nigerians who wish to leave South Africa.
For the returnees, the journey home represents an opportunity to escape an increasingly uncertain environment and reconnect with their families and communities in Nigeria.
Nigeria-South Africa relations under scrutiny
The continuing repatriation of Nigerians has also placed renewed attention on diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
The two countries share longstanding political, economic and historical ties, with Nigeria playing a significant role in supporting the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.
However, recurring disputes over the treatment of Nigerians, immigration, crime and attacks against foreign nationals have periodically strained relations between both countries.
Recent developments have once again raised questions about how Abuja and Pretoria can address legitimate security and immigration concerns without allowing tensions to fuel hostility against ordinary Nigerians and other African migrants.
For InsightReport, the return of the 65 Nigerians underscores the importance of protecting citizens abroad while strengthening diplomatic engagement between African nations.
As the returnees make their way back to Lagos today, attention will remain focused on the safety of Nigerians who continue to live and work in South Africa, as well as efforts by both governments to prevent further violence and preserve the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
