The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) has expressed concern that numerous Nigerians wishing to return home due to the ongoing xenophobic violence in South Africa are experiencing significant difficulties due to flight delays.
On June 7, 2026, the Federal Government pledged to send five chartered evacuation flights through Air Peace to bring Nigerians back from South Africa. However, only one flight has been completed so far, which arrived in Lagos last Thursday carrying 258 returnees out of over 1000 who had shown interest in returning.
In a statement released by Frank Onyekwelu, the National President of NICASA, and shared with Daily Trust on Friday, the association stated, “Hundreds of Nigerians who participated in the Federal Government’s evacuation initiative have faced severe hardships due to the postponement of the planned repatriation flights.
“Many of these individuals traveled from far provinces across South Africa after being directed to register and undergo screening. Currently, many families, including women and children, are left stranded without shelter, food, transportation, or financial resources to support themselves.
“The situation has become increasingly alarming as some of our citizens are forced to sleep in harsh conditions, uncertain of when they will be able to return home.
“Several have depleted their limited funds after traveling long distances in good faith, believing that proper arrangements had been made for their departure,” the organization lamented.
NICASA is therefore making an urgent and heartfelt appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the National Assembly, especially the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Matters, to promptly address the deteriorating humanitarian crisis facing stranded Nigerian nationals awaiting voluntary repatriation from South Africa.
It urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to expedite the repatriation process.
Additionally, it called for the allocation of emergency resources and the creation of a humanitarian support system for stranded Nigerians until their departure.
“Relevant government agencies must urgently facilitate the remaining four evacuation flights so that all registered citizens can be safely returned home without further delay.
“The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa should enhance communication, provide temporary welfare assistance, and engage positively with community leaders to meet the immediate needs of affected citizens,” the association stated.
When reached for comment, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, indicated that there were no updates on the repatriation program at the moment but promised to inform our reporter of any new developments.
Meanwhile, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media, Public Relations, and Protocol at the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), assured that all registered individuals would be returned to Nigeria.
He urged them to remain patient as the government is working to ensure the repatriation program is executed smoothly.
(Source: Daily Post)