By Peace Udugba
The Federal Government has assured Nigerians stranded in South Africa that no citizen willing to return home will be abandoned, saying President Bola Tinubu has directed that every effort be made to ensure their safe evacuation amid the ongoing wave of xenophobic attacks.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, gave the assurance on Wednesday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.
Ebienfa disclosed that the government had expanded the evacuation exercise after the successful completion of the first flight, with four additional flights approved to bring home more Nigerians.
He, however, explained that the latest scheduled flight was delayed after the Air Peace aircraft assigned for th operation developed a technical fault.
According to him, 859 Nigerians have so far been evacuated, while the remaining approved flights are expected to bring home hundreds more citizens.
He assured that if more Nigerians indicate interest in returning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would seek fresh presidential approval for additional evacuation flights.
“President Bola Tinubu has made it clear that no Nigerian willing to return home will be left stranded in South Africa,” he said.
Ebienfa dismissed reports that evacuees were required to pay for their return, stressing that the entire evacuation exercise is being fully funded by the Federal Government.
He added that Nigerians displaced by the violence had received temporary accommodation, food and other welfare support at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria while awaiting evacuation.
The ministry spokesman also revealed that a Nigerian philanthropist independently sponsored the return of 66 Nigerians through commercial flights, describing the gesture as voluntary and commendable.
On diplomatic efforts, Ebienfa said Nigeria had issued a strong protest to the South African government, urging it to guarantee the safety of foreigners, including Nigerians.
He added that the ministry continues to provide consular support to Nigerians abroad by monitoring legal proceedings, ensuring fair treatment and facilitating legal representation where necessary.
Ebienfa disclosed that the Federal Government is documenting businesses abandoned by Nigerians fleeing South Africa and plans to seek compensation from the South African government for legitimate investments lost due to the attacks.
He argued that Nigerians operating legally registered businesses should not be forced to abandon their investments because of xenophobic violence, especially as South African companies continue to operate freely in Nigeria.
Responding to calls for stronger retaliation, Ebienfa acknowledged public frustration but said Nigeria was pursuing diplomacy as its first option in line with its longstanding commitment to African unity.
He recalled Nigeria’s historic role in supporting South Africa’s liberation from apartheid, describing the attacks on Nigerians as painful and unacceptable.
However, he warned that Nigeria’s patience should not be mistaken for weakness.
“If this trend continues, Nigeria will take more drastic measures,” he said, adding that while the government would not disclose its next steps, stronger actions remain under consideration if diplomatic efforts fail.
Ebienfa also announced that Nigeria is pushing for the xenophobic attacks to be discussed at the African Union, saying the issue affects the entire continent and requires a collective response.
According to him, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olaoluwa Enikanolaiye, has already urged the African Union Peace and Security Council to place the matter on its agenda.
The ministry spokesman further disclosed that the Federal Government is considering reforms requiring Nigerians travelling abroad for employment to register with relevant authorities before departure.
He said the proposed policy would help the government verify overseas job offers, improve consular protection and prevent citizens from falling victim to exploitation or travelling to high-risk destinations.
Ebienfa added that the ministry is reviewing the welfare of Nigerians facing hardship in countries such as Kuwait and Ethiopia while also pursuing agreements that would allow convicted Nigerians abroad to serve their prison terms in Nigeria.
