Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry says citizens seeking repatriation from South Africa must fund their return, despite rising xenophobic tensions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria has said Nigerians interested in repatriation from South Africa will be responsible for the cost of their return trip. The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday in Abuja, shortly after a closed-door meeting between the Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Ahmed, and the South African Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele.
Ebienfa explained that the process would be voluntary and self-funded, with the government only providing coordination and facilitation. He noted that, unlike previous interventions where private individuals such as Allen Onyema supported evacuation efforts, the government would not provide transportation. He said, “Those willing to leave are expected to approach the high commission and, given that their decision is voluntary, have the resources to fund their return to Nigeria.” He added that the government will not “provide an aircraft from Nigeria to convey them.”
The ministry said about 130 Nigerians have so far indicated willingness to return, amid ongoing xenophobic violence and tensions in parts of South Africa, where two Nigerians were reportedly killed last month. Ebienfa stated, “Yes, 130 as of this morning have registered, but actualisation would be required to have their flight ticket to move back to Nigeria.” He further explained that those seeking to return fall into two groups, noting, “There are two groups of Nigerians who want to come back. One group feels the country is not safe for them and wants to come. They have all their papers intact.”
READ THE FULL STORY IN DAILY TRUST