The federal government has commenced plans to repatriate more than 1,000 Nigerian nationals from South Africa following renewed tensions and growing anti-immigrant sentiments in the country.
According to officials, the evacuation effort comes in response to increasing hostility toward foreign nationals, which has triggered concerns over safety and security of Nigerian citizens living in South Africa.
The ministry of foreign affairs confirmed that screening for voluntary repatriation began on Thursday, while the final number of evacuees is still being determined.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the ministry said the government expects that “over 1,000 persons” may be affected by the exercise.
“The total figure is not yet confirmed. However, we are expecting over a thousand individuals to be part of the evacuation process,” he said.
In a related communication issued earlier in the week, Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria disclosed that arrangements had been made with South African authorities to grant waivers for individuals with immigration-related offences, allowing them to leave voluntarily rather than face detention.
South Africa, Africa’s most industrialised economy, remains a major destination for migrants across the continent due to employment opportunities. However, it has also witnessed periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence, often linked to high unemployment and social tensions.
Recent protests and renewed attacks against foreign nationals have heightened fears, prompting several African countries to review the safety of their citizens residing there. Ghana had earlier repatriated hundreds of its nationals under similar circumstances.
Reports indicate that more than three million foreigners currently reside in South Africa, representing about 5.1 percent of the country’s population. A significant majority are from neighbouring Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.
Authorities say the current wave of tension has revived continental debates on migration, xenophobia, and the gap between regional integration ideals and on-ground realities.
Meanwhile, concerns persist that ongoing protests calling for the removal of undocumented migrants could escalate further, despite government assurances urging restraint and adherence to lawful processes.
The Nigerian government says it will continue to monitor developments and ensure the safe return of affected citizens.