FG Issues Last Call for Nigerians in S’Africa Ahead of Next Repatriation Flight

The federal government has issued a last documentation call for Nigerians in South Africa who seek to leave the country in the wake of anti-migrant tensions.

Rights groups had set an unofficial June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country but repatriation flights have continued.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, minister of foreign affairs, asked Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing exercise to return home.

“Our citizens are strongly advised to take advantage of this extention and utilize the full capacity of the Aircrafts,” the minister said in a statement on Monday.

“Another evacuation flight will leave for Johannesburg tomorrow Tuesday 7th July to bring home our citizens. The last evacuation flight is expected to arrive South Africa on 10th July. Our Nationals are again, advised to weigh the risks regarding whether to remain or return.

“For many still sitting on the fence, they should do well to note that properties and investments lost can be replaced, but not lives lost.”

Kimiebie Ebienfa, foreign ministry spokesperson, told journalists that Tuesday’s repatriation flight is expected to arrive in Lagos on Wednesday morning.

It is the government’s fourth official flight but five batches of Nigerians have returned, including a small group brought back by Kunle Soname, chairman and chief executive officer of ValueJet.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s call comes as two more Nigerians were reported dead in South Africa bringing the official death toll of citizens in the country since the xenophobic violence started to four.

“We demand that South African authorities urgently investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice, and are urging our citizens who consider their lives at risk to take advantage of the FG sponsored evacuation flights to be transported home,” the minister said.

“There are no signs that the situation is improving.”

She noted that the federal government remains committed to the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad, and will put all necessary measures in place to protect it.