KEY POINTS

• The Federal Government will evacuate over 742 Nigerians from South Africa before June 30 amid ongoing xenophobic attacks.
• 258 citizens have already been evacuated, while about 1,000 Nigerians reportedly registered for return.
• Nigeria is engaging South African authorities diplomatically, as concerns grow over rising anti-migrant violence and discrimination.

The Federal Government says arrangements are ongoing to evacuate over 742 Nigerians from South Africa before June 30, following renewed anti-migrant violence in the country.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed that 258 Nigerians have already been airlifted and received at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on June 11

The Tinubu administration says it remains committed to protecting Nigerians abroad and ensuring that all registered citizens willing to return home are safely evacuated.

Diplomatic Engagement With South Africa Continues

Nigeria says it is engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels while considering further lawful measures over the reported attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants.

The minister condemned the activities of anti-migrant vigilante groups, warning that the attacks are damaging South Africa’s international image and straining relations across Africa.