By Our Reporter
Federal Government said it has commenced plans for the voluntary repatriation of Nigerians in South Africa, following xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the former apartheid country.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known in a statement on Sunday, saying that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed that evacuation flights be provided for those willing to return home.
The minister said arrangements were underway to collate details of affected citizens, noting that 130 Nigerians had so far registered with the country’s mission in South Africa.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further noted that the number is expected to rise as Nigerian associations in the country continue to support the registration process.
She described the attacks as a "repetitive wave," alleging that anti-foreigner opposition groups sometimes exploit the situation to gain political support, but quickly noted noted that Nigerian lives and businesses in South Africa must not continue to be put at risk.
"Nigerian lives and businesses in South Africa must not continue to be put at risk," she said.
The minister, however, said Nigeria was engaging South African authorities to address the situation, adding that both countries recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on early warning mechanisms to protect citizens during periods of heightened tension.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu called on leaders of Nigerian organisations in South Africa to urgently compile lists of citizens who wished to return home but cannot afford airfare.
According to her, the Nigerian consulate is working with the high commission in Pretoria to gather sufficient data to arrange a special evacuation flight, saying that those willing to be repatriated were required to submit personal details.
She listed the details to include passport photograph, full name, passport biodata page, state of origin, local government area, place of birth, current address, and contact information alongside proof of circumstances qualifying them for repatriation, adding that registration for the exercise is free.
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