The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to evacuating the fourth batch of Nigerian nationals from South Africa, in the bid to ensure their safety and welfare.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this on her verified social media platforms on Monday, saying government will put all necessary measures in place to protect Nigerian nationals.
According to her the last call for the ongoing documentation of Nigerian nationals towards ensuring their safe evacuation from South Africa, adding that Nigeria remains concerned about the safety of it’s citizens in the country.
She explained that such is as a result of the ongoing Xenophobic protests and attacks of migrants, following the deaths of two Nigerians, Musa Joe and Charles Iroegbu.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, “We demand that South African authorities urgently investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice.
“We are urging our citizens who consider their lives at risk to take advantage of the Federal Government’s sponsored evacuation flights to be transported home. There are no signs that the situation is improving.”
She revealed that President Bola Tinubu extended the evacuation of Nigerian citizens from South Africa beyond the June 30 deadline, with the fourth evacuation flight having arrived in Nigeria on July 3, 2026 following earlier evacuation in three separate operations.
This, according to her, Nigeria citizens are strongly advised to take advantage of this extention and utilize the full capacity of the aircrafts to guarantee their safe return.
“Another evacuation flight will leave for Johannesburg tomorrow Tuesday July 7, to bring home our citizens. The last evacuation flight is expected to arrive South Africa on July 10.
“Our nationals are again advised to weigh the risks regarding whether to remain or return,” the minister advised.
She stressed that sitting on the fence, sending out distress calls after the evacuation exercises might have concluded, as there was an opportunity to leave, people did not, will not help matters.
“They should note that properties and investments lost can be replaced, but not lives lost,” she warned.
