The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially announced plans to commence the voluntary repatriation of Nigerians from South Africa following a surge in anti-foreigner sentiment and xenophobic tensions.
According to a statement released by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at least 130 Nigerians have already formally registered with the Nigerian mission to return home.
The Minister said this move follows a direct order from President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the safety of citizens living abroad amidst volatile conditions in several South African provinces.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the decision to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of Nigerians from South Africa comes in the wake of recent protests in major cities like Pretoria and Johannesburg.
While some demonstrations were heavily policed to prevent violence, reports of harassment and threats against foreign-owned businesses have caused widespread anxiety.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that while South African authorities, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and senior security officials, had condemned violence, disturbing images circulating online had fuelled international concern.
The Minister also confirmed two separate deaths involving Nigerians, both allegedly linked to interactions with security personnel.
She added that another wave of demonstrations is expected between May 4 and 8, 2026, prompting further security and diplomatic coordination between both countries.
The statement reads: “There is heightened anxiety over the series of anti-foreigner protests, also targeted at Nigerians in select cities in the republic of South Africa in recent weeks. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has expressed grave concern on this situation following a briefing, and has called for more effective control of the situation by relevant host security services.
“The images pervading both mainstream and social media depicting violence, carnage and targeted xenophobic killings of foreign nationals and demonstrations characterized by xenophobic rhetoric, hate speeches and incendiary anti-migrant statements by the arrowheads of such rallies, have generated worldwide condemnation .
“However, recent public statements of key host government officials including President Cyril Ramaphosa, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber and Police Affairs Minister Firoz Cachalia, all express total opposition to any form of extra-judicial killing and destruction of properties of foreign nationals as well as anti-foreigner propaganda and xenophobic sentiments which promote or create anarchy in the land.
“The protests spearheaded by a local anti-migration movement, in Pretoria and Johannesburg, between 27 – 29 April 2026, witnessed a largely peaceful procession, under the presence of heavily armed police who occasionally sprayed teargas to deter the protesters from engaging in violent activity.
“There is no recorded killing of any Nigerian or destruction of Nigerian- owned properties during this particular protest. However, two Nigerian Nationals have been reported dead in separate incidents involving security personnel- AMAMIRO CHIDIEBERE EMMANUEL died on 25th of April 2026 as a result of injuries sustained from brutal beatings by military personnel of the South African National Defence Force on 20th April 2026 in Port Elizabeth.
NNAEMEKA MATTHEW ANDREW also died following an alleged interaction with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, and his body discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary on 20th April 2026.
This is utterly condemnable and unacceptable.
“The Nigeria High Commission is closely following investigations into these unfortunate incidents and Nigeria demands justice be done in these cases.
“Another Demonstration is planned for 4-8 May 2026 and President Bola Tinubu has directed that the situation be monitored very closely. Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner to Nigeria regarding the ongoing situation.
“The Nigerian High Commission and the Consulate are in constant communication with relevant host authorities to ensure that the exposure of our nationals to the current tensions is minimized amidst ongoing Consultations with SA’s highest authorities.
“The president has reiterated that the priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens. Consequently, arrangements are currently underway to collate details of Nigerians in South Africa for voluntary repatriation flights for those seeking assistance to return home. So far 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with our mission in S.A, but this figure is expected to rise. Nigerian associations in South Africa are also assisting our mission in this regard.
“Nigeria is a frontline state which made great sacrifices towards the liberation struggles of South Africa, a fact which needs to be distilled down to the younger generation in South Africa. Nigerian lives and businesses in SA must not continue to be put at risk, and we remain committed to working with South Africa to explore ways to put an end to this xenophobic pattern. It has become a repetitive wave, most especially prior to elections in South Africa, and anti foreigner opposition parties leverage this situation to garner votes. Nigeria recently signed a memorandum of understanding with South Africa on early warning to protect citizens of both countries, especially in times such as these.”
