The Federal Government has issued a fresh advisory to Nigerians living in South Africa, urging those who feel unsafe to take advantage of the remaining government-sponsored evacuation flights, with the final flight scheduled to arrive in the country on July 10.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the advice in a post on her verified X account on Monday, while announcing a final call for documentation for Nigerians wishing to return home under the ongoing evacuation exercise.
The minister said Nigeria remains deeply concerned about the safety of its citizens in South Africa following continued xenophobic protests and attacks on migrants, particularly after the deaths of two Nigerians, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu.
She stated that the Federal Government had formally demanded that South African authorities urgently investigate the killings and ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged Nigerians who believe their lives are at risk to immediately register for the remaining evacuation flights, stressing that there are no indications the security situation is improving.
“There are no signs that the situation is improving,” she said.
She noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved an extension of the evacuation exercise beyond the June 30 deadline, following the successful completion of the initial three evacuation operations, to allow more Nigerians who wish to return home to do so.
According to the minister, the fourth evacuation flight arrived in Nigeria on July 3, while another chartered flight is scheduled to depart Lagos for Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7, to evacuate additional Nigerians. She added that the final evacuation flight is expected to arrive in South Africa on July 10, urging citizens to take full advantage of the remaining seats.
The minister advised Nigerians who are still undecided about staying in South Africa or returning home to carefully assess the risks, warning that seeking assistance after the evacuation exercise ends may come too late.
She added that while lost property and investments can be replaced, lives cannot.
“Our citizens are strongly advised to take advantage of this extension and utilise the full capacity of the aircraft,” she said.
“The last evacuation flight is expected to arrive in South Africa on 10th July. Our nationals are again advised to weigh the risks regarding whether to remain or return.”
