The Federal Government of Nigeria has evacuated another 111 distressed Nigerians from South Africa, bringing the total number of repatriated citizens to 2,037 since June 10, 2026. The latest batch of returnees, comprising 44 men, 23 women, and 44 children, arrived in Lagos on October 8 aboard South African Airways Flight SA060. They were received by officials from various government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
The evacuation exercise, which began on June 10, 2026, has seen 15 successful operations conducted from South Africa. The Federal Government has fully covered the repatriation costs of 1,388 returnees, while the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has funded one-way tickets for 318 people. The RCCG donated $265,854 to support the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
The RCCG-funded repatriation programme has been instrumental in assisting Nigerians stranded in South Africa. With the arrival of the latest batch, 318 Nigerians have now benefited from the programme. Another 182 Nigerians are expected to be evacuated under the church's commitment to finance 500 one-way tickets. The Federal Government has expressed appreciation to the RCCG for its generous financial support.
The Federal Government remains committed to engaging South African authorities and other stakeholders over xenophobia and Afrophobia. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely consular support to Nigerians in the diaspora and safeguarding their welfare and well-being. Nigerians in South Africa have been advised to comply with local laws, remain vigilant, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.
Diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa have been a recurring issue, particularly during outbreaks of xenophobic violence. The Nigerian government has periodically issued diplomatic protests, intervened in emergency situations, and demanded that South African authorities strengthen measures to protect Nigerians, their businesses, and other foreign nationals.
The current evacuation exercise is part of the Federal Government's efforts to provide consular assistance to distressed Nigerians seeking to return home. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Nigerians requiring consular assistance to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg.
The Federal Government will continue to provide consular assistance to Nigerians in South Africa while pursuing diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to address threats to the safety and welfare of Nigerians in the country. The government remains committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and dignity of Nigerians living in South Africa.
Key points
- The Federal Government has evacuated 2,037 Nigerians from South Africa since June 10, 2026.
- The RCCG has funded one-way tickets for 318 Nigerians, with 182 more expected to be evacuated.
- The Federal Government remains committed to engaging South African authorities over xenophobia and Afrophobia.
