Politics
THE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, says no Nigerian willing to leave South Africa will be abandoned by the Federal Government.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said about 1,000 Nigerians had registered for evacuation ahead of the June 30 deadline set by anti-migrant groups.
She said the first batch of 258 evacuees had already arrived Nigeria through a Federal Government evacuation programme.
The minister said the evacuees were received at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, by Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye on behalf of the government.
According to her, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to protecting Nigerians facing danger abroad.
She said the President had directed that Nigerians exposed to threats in South Africa and willing to return home should be evacuated before the deadline.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria would continue to pursue diplomatic engagement with South Africa while considering other lawful options.
She noted that the National Assembly had a constitutional role in determining further measures if diplomatic efforts failed.
The minister expressed concern over reports that migrants were being harassed, intimidated and forced from their homes and businesses.
She said some affected Nigerians had lived in South Africa for years and had families, including South African spouses and children.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that more than 120 South African companies operate in Nigeria without facing discrimination or harassment.
She listed major South African firms in Nigeria, including mtn.ng, dstv.com, stanbicibtc.com and protea.marriott.com.
The minister said attacks on migrants were damaging South Africa’s image and undermining its Pan-African ideals.
She said the actions contradicted the legacy of Nelson Mandela and had attracted negative international attention.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said countries including Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique were also evacuating their citizens.
She further disclosed that South Africa had not activated an early warning mechanism agreement signed with Nigeria in October 2025.
According to her, South African authorities argued that additional procedures were required before the agreement could become operational.
The minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens and pursuing a peaceful resolution through diplomatic channels.
F.O
Tags: Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu No Nigerian will be left behind