Nigeria Plans Voluntary Return for Citizens in South Africa Amid Xenophobic Tensions

Nigeria has begun moves to bring home citizens who want to leave South Africa as anti-immigrant tensions rise in the country.

Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said about 130 Nigerians have already registered for voluntary repatriation. More people may still join the exercise as fear grows among African migrants in South Africa.

The move follows recent protests in Johannesburg and Pretoria, where demonstrators demanded tougher action against undocumented migrants. Some protesters accused foreigners of taking jobs, putting pressure on public services and contributing to crime.

Nigeria Says Citizens Must Be Protected

The Nigerian government said the safety of its citizens must remain a priority.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigerian lives and businesses should not continue to face danger in South Africa. Nigerian missions in the country are now working with local authorities to reduce the risk faced by citizens.

The repatriation plan will only cover Nigerians who choose to return home. It is not a forced evacuation.

Abuja Demands Answers Over Deaths

Nigeria is also demanding a full investigation into the reported deaths of two Nigerians in South Africa.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked South African authorities to provide autopsy reports, post-mortem documents and case files. It also wants the families of the deceased to get access to legal processes.

Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said Nigeria expects accountability where investigators find wrongdoing. The government also wants disciplinary or legal action against any personnel found responsible.

Xenophobia Deepens Old Tensions

South Africa has faced repeated waves of anti-immigrant sentiment over the years. Many foreign nationals, including Nigerians, Zimbabweans, Mozambicans and Ghanaians, have faced blame for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.

Migrant rights groups argue that foreigners have become easy targets for deeper economic problems. South Africa’s high unemployment rate has made the issue more sensitive, especially in poor communities.

For many African migrants, the latest protests have created fresh fear. Some now see repatriation as the safest option.

Diplomatic Pressure Grows

The crisis has also placed pressure on relations between Nigeria and South Africa, two of Africa’s biggest economies.

Nigeria has already summoned South Africa’s representative in Abuja over the matter. South Africa has also promised to act against xenophobic attacks after complaints from Nigeria, Ghana and other African countries.

For now, Abuja says it will keep monitoring events in South Africa. It also wants Pretoria to protect foreign nationals and ensure justice for families who have lost loved ones.

Why This Matters

The issue goes beyond repatriation. It touches on African unity, migrant safety and the responsibility of governments to protect people within their borders.

Nigeria’s latest move sends a clear message. It wants its citizens safe, but it also wants answers for those who lost their lives.