BREAKING: FG Sets Deadline to Evacuate Nigerians from South Africa, Warns MTN, MultiChoice, Others May Face Review Over Xenophobic Attacks

• The Federal Government has assured Nigerians affected by ongoing anti-migrant violence in South Africa that all those who have registered for evacuation will be brought home before June 30.

The Federal Government has pledged to evacuate all Nigerians who have indicated interest in leaving South Africa amid escalating anti-migrant violence, while warning that it may review the operations of South African businesses in Nigeria if the situation persists.

The assurance was given by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who said the Tinubu administration remains committed to protecting the lives and welfare of Nigerians living abroad.

In a statement issued on Thursday by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, the minister disclosed that approximately 1,000 Nigerians have so far registered to be evacuated from South Africa before the June 30 deadline set by the Federal Government.

She revealed that the first batch of 258 Nigerians had already been airlifted from South Africa and received at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, on behalf of the Federal Government.

According to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, President Bola Tinubu directed that all Nigerians facing danger, intimidation, or harassment in South Africa and willing to return home should receive immediate assistance.

“The Federal Government will ensure that no Nigerian who has indicated interest in returning from South Africa is left behind,” she stated.

The minister expressed deep concern over reports of growing hostility toward migrants in South Africa, particularly Nigerians who have lived in the country for years, built businesses, and raised families.

She noted that some Nigerians are married to South African citizens and have children who have known no other home but South Africa, making the situation even more troubling.

According to her, the crisis has deteriorated to the point where South African spouses of Nigerians and their children are also allegedly being pressured to leave the country.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu condemned what she described as the unequal treatment of Nigerians, pointing out that South African businesses continue to operate freely and profitably in Nigeria without facing similar hostility.

She specifically mentioned major South African companies such as MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic, and Protea, noting that Nigeria hosts more than 120 South African businesses across various sectors.

“There are over 120 South African companies operating in Nigeria. Nobody is asking them to provide proof of identity. Nobody is questioning whether their workers are South Africans or Nigerians. Nobody is taking over their businesses or shops,” she said.

“But this is happening to Nigerians in South Africa. At some point, we will have to review the options available to us.”

The minister’s remarks come amid reports that vigilante groups in several South African cities have targeted foreign nationals, looting shops, breaking into homes, and subjecting migrants to intimidation and humiliation.

The statement also cited allegations that some foreign nationals had been killed during the attacks, while security agencies were accused of failing to adequately protect migrants or stop calls for their expulsion.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu further disclosed that South African authorities had refused to activate a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Nigeria in October 2025. The agreement established an early warning mechanism intended to protect the lives and property of citizens of both countries.

According to her, South Africa later argued that officials who signed the agreement on its behalf lacked the authority to make it binding and that additional procedures were required before implementation.

Despite the tensions, the minister said Nigeria would continue engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels while considering other lawful options available under the country’s constitutional framework.

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She stressed that any retaliatory measures would follow due legislative and constitutional processes.

Lamenting the impact of the attacks on South Africa’s international reputation, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the actions of anti-migrant groups were undermining the pan-African ideals championed by former South African President Nelson Mandela.

“The late Madiba, Nelson Mandela, worked tirelessly to project South Africa as a beacon of pan-Africanism. These anti-migrant attacks have seriously damaged that legacy,” she said.

She added that the growing perception of South Africa as a xenophobic nation could have long-term consequences for its image and influence on the African continent.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and ensuring the safe return of those affected by the ongoing unrest.