The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has renewed its call for the Federal Government to expedite the repatriation of Nigerians stranded in South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting migrants.
The appeal comes after the Federal Government successfully repatriated the first batch of 258 Nigerians from South Africa on June 11 through a special Air Peace flight that arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. More evacuation flights were expected, but plans suffered a setback when the government announced the suspension of a scheduled repatriation flight.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development, informing journalists that the proposed evacuation flight would no longer take place as planned.
Reacting to the delay, NUSA President-General, Smart Nwobi, expressed concern over the uncertainty facing Nigerians awaiting repatriation. He said many affected citizens have been left disappointed and distressed, with growing worries about their welfare and safe return home.
According to Nwobi, the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad remain both a constitutional and moral obligation of the Federal Government. He noted that many stranded citizens are grappling with economic hardship and insecurity, while the cancellation of the June 15 evacuation flight has further worsened their situation.
NUSA called on the Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Ajayi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant agencies to explain the circumstances behind the delay. The union stressed that transparency and timely communication are essential when citizens’ safety and wellbeing are at stake.
The group also urged the Federal Government, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, and other stakeholders to work together to resolve issues affecting the repatriation programme and ensure the prompt return of stranded Nigerians.
While acknowledging efforts already made by government officials and diplomatic missions, NUSA maintained that a more coordinated and compassionate response is needed to ease the hardship faced by affected citizens. The union pledged to continue advocating for Nigerians in South Africa until all obstacles delaying their safe return are removed.
