Federal Government Considers Financial Aid for Nigerians Evacuated from South Africa
The Federal Government is weighing a financial support package for 1,490 Nigerian nationals evacuated from South Africa due to xenophobic attacks, as reintegration efforts begin.
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The Federal Government is considering a financial support package for Nigerian nationals recently evacuated from South Africa amid rising xenophobic tensions, according to a report by Business Day.
Approximately 1,490 Nigerians were repatriated through a series of humanitarian flights organized by the government, the Daily Trust reported, citing a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The evacuation, completed in five phases, was prompted by ongoing xenophobic attacks and deteriorating security conditions for Nigerian citizens in South Africa.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the successful conclusion of the fifth and final phase of the evacuation. The operation underscores growing diplomatic and humanitarian concerns over the safety of Nigerians abroad, particularly in Southern Africa, where past waves of xenophobia have led to targeted violence against foreign nationals.
While details of the proposed financial support remain under consideration, the initiative is intended to assist returnees with reintegration into Nigerian society. The government has not yet specified the form or scale of the assistance, nor confirmed a timeline for disbursement.
The evacuation reflects a recurring challenge in Nigeria-South Africa relations, where periodic outbreaks of anti-foreigner sentiment have previously triggered calls for consular intervention and repatriation. This latest move highlights ongoing vulnerabilities faced by diaspora communities and the federal government’s evolving role in protecting its citizens overseas.