Following the increasing xenophobic att@cks in South Africa, the Federal government has concluded plans to assist in the repatriation of stranded Nigerians in South Africa,
In a statement released this evening, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, said President Tinubu has instructed 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.
Ojukwu mentioned that so far 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with Nigeria’s mission in S.A, but this figure is expected to rise. She mentioned that Nigerian associations in South Africa are also assisting our mission in this regard.
‘’Nigeria is a frontline state that 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 xen@phobic 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. Discussions with my South African counterparts on this matter are ongoing, and 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.” she said