Nigerians awaiting evacuation from South Africa are facing worsening humanitarian conditions as prolonged delays in the Federal Government’s repatriation programme leave many without access to food, shelter, or financial assistance.
Many of the affected citizens, including women, children, and elderly individuals, are reportedly struggling to survive after depleting their savings while waiting for transportation back to Nigeria.
The evacuees had travelled from various provinces across South Africa to participate in registration and screening exercises under the government’s evacuation initiative but now claim they have been left in limbo amid uncertainty over subsequent flights.
The President of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, expressed concern over the situation on Friday, urging the Federal Government to take immediate action and accelerate the evacuation process. He noted that many Nigerians who complied with official directives are currently enduring difficult living conditions with no indication of when they will be able to return home.
“Several have exhausted their limited resources after travelling long distances in good faith, believing arrangements had been adequately concluded for their departure.”
According to Onyekwelu, the prolonged wait has plunged numerous families into severe hardship.
“Many of these citizens travelled from distant provinces across South Africa after being instructed to report for registration and screening. Today, numerous families, including women and children, are stranded without shelter, food, transportation or the financial means to sustain themselves.”
He further raised concerns about complaints from evacuees regarding their treatment during the registration exercise, citing reports of poor communication and alleged insensitivity from some officials.
“Of grave concern are reports from affected citizens alleging humiliation, insensitive treatment and poor communication from certain officials during the registration and screening exercise.”
Onyekwelu stressed that Nigerians who adhered to government instructions should be treated with dignity and supported during the evacuation process.
“Our citizens are not merely statistics. They are fathers, mothers, children, students, workers and entrepreneurs who have found themselves in desperate circumstances. Their cries for help must not go unanswered.”
The NICASA president appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies to provide emergency assistance for stranded citizens while arrangements for their departure are being finalized. He also called for the immediate completion of the evacuation exercise.
“We also urge relevant government agencies to urgently facilitate the remaining four evacuation flights so that all registered citizens can be safely returned home without further delay.”
He added that many members of the Nigerian community in South Africa feel insufficiently supported by the country’s diplomatic mission at a time of heightened uncertainty and fear.
Meanwhile, concerns have intensified among undocumented migrants following a June 30 deadline reportedly issued by anti-immigration groups in South Africa. The development has heightened anxiety among foreign nationals, many of whom now fear for their safety.
One Nigerian resident, who requested anonymity, described the atmosphere as tense and frightening, revealing that several Nigerians have gone into hiding while awaiting evacuation.
“Things are not easy here, my brother. There is a lot of fear about that deadline, though some groups are trying to prevent South Africans from joining the protest. Right now, I am hiding in a friend’s house, and he generously gave us shelter.”
The source said the humanitarian crisis is worsening, with many migrants stranded at consulates or relying on temporary accommodation provided by friends and acquaintances.
“Many of our people are stranded at the consulate awaiting evacuation to Nigeria, while others are temporarily staying with friends and acquaintances across different towns. It is not easy. There are many other nationalities too, with their luggage in consulates, sleeping in the open in the freezing weather. It is a sorry sight.”
He also explained that many undocumented Nigerians became homeless after losing jobs that previously included accommodation.
“Many of us became homeless at the same time, particularly those who worked in factories, stores and farms where accommodation was provided. We were thrown out after the South African president announced that employers who hire undocumented immigrants would be arrested. But we hope to leave before the June 30 deadline.”
Another Nigerian resident, Nze Akumezienwata, advised fellow citizens to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety amid the growing tension. In a Facebook post, he urged Nigerians sleeping on the streets to leave the country and encouraged business owners to exercise caution.
“Please, I urge all Nigerians in South Africa, especially those sleeping on the streets, to leave the country. To those who still have businesses here, let us be careful about our movements. Try to prepare and leave this country for them.”
The latest concerns emerge against the backdrop of renewed xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa, where anti-immigrant protests have heightened fears among migrant communities. Foreign-owned businesses and undocumented migrants have increasingly come under scrutiny, with some groups blaming them for unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services.
The Nigerian community has faced repeated incidents of xenophobic violence over the years. The Nigerian Union South Africa previously documented at least 118 deaths linked to such attacks, including recent cases involving Nigerians.
Despite mounting concerns, the Federal Government has maintained that evacuation efforts are ongoing. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed that the first batch of 258 evacuees arrived in Lagos on June 11 after being repatriated from South Africa.
She stated that nearly 1,000 Nigerians had registered for evacuation, leaving more than 742 individuals still awaiting transportation back to Nigeria. According to the minister, the exercise was approved by President Bola Tinubu following reports of harassment, intimidation, and attacks targeting Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa.
For those still stranded, however, the most pressing concern remains survival as they await government assistance and a safe journey home.
