The Federal Government has assured Nigerians stranded in South Africa that no citizen willing to return home will be abandoned, as President Bola Tinubu has directed authorities to ensure the safe evacuation of all affected citizens amid the ongoing wave of xenophobic attacks.
The assurance was given by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, during an exclusive 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 operation after the successful completion of the first flight, with four additional flights approved by the Presidency. Two of those flights have already been completed, while another scheduled flight was delayed after the Air Peace aircraft assigned to the mission developed a technical fault.
According to him, the aircraft experienced damage to its cockpit windscreen, forcing the airline to postpone the flight.
Despite the setback, Ebienfa said the evacuation exercise has made significant progress, revealing that 859 Nigerians have already been successfully repatriated from South Africa.
He explained that each aircraft has a capacity of about 271 passengers, adding that if the remaining approved flights operate at full capacity, more than 500 additional Nigerians are expected to return home within the next few days.
The ministry spokesperson stressed that if the current flights prove insufficient, the Federal Government will seek fresh presidential approval for more evacuation flights.
He said President Tinubu has made it clear that no Nigerian willing to return home will be left stranded in South Africa.
Ebienfa also dismissed reports suggesting that evacuees are required to pay for the exercise, insisting that the entire operation is completely free of charge.
According to him, all five approved evacuation flights have been fully funded by the Federal Government, with no financial contribution required from any Nigerian.
He further disclosed that Nigerians displaced by the violence have been receiving temporary accommodation, food and other welfare support at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria while awaiting evacuation.
In addition, a private Nigerian philanthropist sponsored the return of 66 Nigerians on commercial flights operated by South African Airways.
On diplomatic efforts, Ebienfa said Nigeria has formally urged the South African government to strengthen security for foreigners, particularly Nigerians, warning that continued attacks could strain bilateral relations.
He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is documenting businesses abandoned by Nigerians fleeing South Africa with the aim of seeking compensation from the South African government.
According to him, Nigerians who legally established businesses and paid taxes in South Africa should not suffer losses because of xenophobic violence.
Ebienfa maintained that while many Nigerians have called for stronger retaliation against South Africa, the Federal Government is deliberately pursuing diplomacy first in line with Nigeria’s long-standing foreign policy.
However, he warned that Nigeria’s patience should not be mistaken for weakness, stressing that tougher measures remain under consideration if attacks on Nigerians continue.
The ministry spokesperson also revealed that Nigeria is pushing for the xenophobic attacks to be discussed by the African Union, arguing that the issue affects the entire continent and requires a collective response.
Beyond the South African crisis, Ebienfa announced that the Federal Government is considering reforms that would require Nigerians travelling abroad for employment to register with relevant authorities before departure.
He said the proposed policy would enable Nigerian embassies to better monitor citizens overseas, verify overseas job offers and provide quicker assistance in emergencies.
The ministry also disclosed that it is reviewing the welfare of Nigerians facing hardship in countries such as Kuwait and Ethiopia, while pursuing agreements that could allow convicted Nigerians abroad to serve their prison terms in Nigeria.
Ebienfa reaffirmed that protecting Nigerians abroad remains a top priority, adding that the Federal Government is strengthening both its evacuation strategy and consular services to ensure no citizen is left without support, regardless of where they are in the world.
Comments