FG Approves Repatriation of 271 Nigerians from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks
By Chizoba Njaka
The Federal Government has approved the evacuation of 271 Nigerian nationals stranded in South Africa through a third government-sponsored special repatriation flight. The flight is scheduled to depart from OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, on July 3, 2026, following a resurgence of xenophobic attacks and anti-foreigner protests in parts of the country.
The announcement was contained in a joint public notice issued by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg on July 2 and signed by Nigeria’s Consul General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche.
Approved returnees were directed to report to the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria by 10:00 a.m. on July 2, for transportation to the airport.
The diplomatic missions stated that all approved passengers must use the government-provided buses conveying them to OR Tambo International Airport. According to the notice, only those transported through the official arrangement will be granted access to the restricted section of the airport designated for the special evacuation process.
The missions also instructed returnees to present their screening clearance certificates and all documents submitted during the registration exercise. They assured that Emergency Travel Certificates would be issued free of charge at the airport to those without valid travel documents.
Passengers were informed of the baggage policy for the evacuation flight. Adults are entitled to two checked bags of up to 23 kilograms each, one carry-on bag weighing up to seven kilograms, and one personal item, while minors are allowed the same baggage limit, with the addition of a collapsible stroller, infant cot, or infant car seat where applicable.
The Federal Government appealed to Nigerians still residing in South Africa to remain calm, patient, and law-abiding while awaiting further evacuation arrangements. It urged citizens to avoid criminal activities or associations that could damage Nigeria’s image abroad, while reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians in the country.
Reacting to the development, the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA) commended the federal government for sustaining the voluntary repatriation programme.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Akindele Olunloyo, the union also praised the Nigerian missions for providing temporary shelter and food to stranded citizens, while calling for an expansion of the programme, noting that more than 100 additional Nigerians have expressed willingness to return home due to persistent xenophobic tensions.