Why Stranded Nigerians in South Africa Are Demanding Faster Evacuation From FG
Hundreds of Nigerians awaiting evacuation from South Africa have raised concerns over worsening living conditions as delays in the Federal Government’s repatriation process leave many stranded without food, shelter and financial support.
Several affected citizens, including women, children and elderly persons, are reportedly facing severe hardship after exhausting their savings while waiting for evacuation flights back to Nigeria.
The affected Nigerians had travelled from different provinces across South Africa for registration and screening under the government’s evacuation programme but now say they have been left in uncertainty over when they will return home.
President of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, on Friday urged the Federal Government to accelerate the process and provide immediate assistance to stranded citizens.
According to him, many Nigerians complied with official directives in anticipation of imminent departure arrangements but are now sleeping in difficult conditions.
He said several evacuees had spent their remaining resources travelling long distances after receiving instructions to report for registration and screening.
Onyekwelu warned that the delay has worsened humanitarian conditions for families.
“Many of these citizens travelled from distant provinces across South Africa after being instructed to report for registration and screening. Today, numerous families, including women and children, are stranded without shelter, food, transportation or the financial means to sustain themselves,” he said.
He also raised concerns over alleged poor communication and reports of insensitive treatment during the registration exercise.
“Of grave concern are reports from affected citizens alleging humiliation, insensitive treatment and poor communication from certain officials during the registration and screening exercise,” he added.
Onyekwelu stressed that Nigerians who followed government instructions deserve support and humane treatment.
“Our citizens are not merely statistics. They are fathers, mothers, children, students, workers and entrepreneurs who have found themselves in desperate circumstances. Their cries for help must not go unanswered.”
NICASA further appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies to deploy emergency relief measures while completing evacuation arrangements.
The association called for urgent action to conclude the remaining evacuation flights and ensure all registered citizens return safely without further delays.
Onyekwelu also expressed concern over what he described as inadequate support from Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in South Africa at a time many citizens are facing uncertainty.
Meanwhile, anxiety has continued to grow among undocumented migrants ahead of the June 30 deadline issued by anti-immigration groups in South Africa.
One Nigerian resident, who spoke anonymously, described the atmosphere as tense and said many migrants had gone into hiding while awaiting evacuation.
He said some Nigerians were currently taking refuge with friends, while others remained stranded at consulates and temporary shelters.
According to him, the humanitarian situation has become increasingly difficult, with migrants from different countries sleeping outdoors in freezing conditions while waiting for evacuation.
The resident added that many Nigerians lost accommodation after employers reportedly dismissed undocumented workers following renewed enforcement measures.
Another Nigerian, Nze Akumezienwata, urged compatriots to remain cautious and prioritise their safety amid rising tensions.
In a Facebook post, he advised Nigerians sleeping on the streets to leave the country and urged business owners to limit movement and make preparations to depart.
The development comes amid renewed xenophobic concerns in parts of South Africa, where anti-immigrant protests have heightened fears among foreign nationals.
Foreign-owned businesses and migrant communities have increasingly come under pressure, with undocumented migrants often blamed for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.
The Nigerian community has previously recorded multiple deaths linked to xenophobic attacks over the years.
Despite growing concerns, the Federal Government has maintained that evacuation efforts are ongoing.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed that the first batch of 258 Nigerians arrived in Lagos on June 11 after being evacuated from South Africa.
She said nearly 1,000 Nigerians had registered for evacuation, leaving more than 742 citizens awaiting transportation.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained that President Bola Tinubu approved the evacuation exercise following reports of harassment, intimidation and attacks against Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa.
For many stranded Nigerians, however, survival remains the immediate concern as they await assistance and a safe return home.
