Nigeria Requires Citizens to Self-Fund Voluntary Repatriation from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks

Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that citizens wishing to return voluntarily from South Africa amid ongoing xenophobic violence must bear the full cost of their trips home. Spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday, emphasizing that the repatriation is self-funded and not state-sponsored.

AllAfrica reported that about 130 Nigerians have expressed willingness to return since the announcement, with registrations reaching that number as of Monday morning.

Ebienfa stated the process targets those feeling threatened by the violence and protests against black immigrants in parts of South Africa. He explained that interested individuals are expected to approach the Nigerian high commission and possess the resources to fund their return.

'Those willing to leave are expected to approach the high commission and, given that their decision is voluntary, have the resources to fund their return to Nigeria,' Ebienfa said.

The briefing followed a closed-door meeting between the ministry's Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Ahmed, and South African Acting High Commissioner Lesoli Machele. AllAfrica reported that the Nigerian government had indicated its readiness to facilitate repatriations on Sunday, focusing on citizens concerned about safety.

Ebienfa noted that the government will only coordinate the effort, without providing aircraft from Nigeria to transport them.

Ebienfa added that the speed of the repatriation depends on the availability of funds from those involved. 'Yes, 130 as of this morning have registered, but actualisation would be required to have their flight ticket to move back to Nigeria,' he said.

He described two groups among those interested: one with intact papers who feel the country is unsafe, and another with travel document or resident permit violations seeking facilitation to avoid law enforcement.

AllAfrica reported that Nigerians expressing interest are motivated by threats to their lives or fear of arrest by South African authorities. Ebienfa highlighted that the return hinges on individuals' financial capacity, as they must purchase their own flight tickets.

In the recent past, similar repatriations have been sponsored by Nigerian airline owners, particularly Allen Onyema, CEO of Air Peace.

The effort comes amid heightened tensions, with two Nigerians killed last month by personnel of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth. One victim, Ekpenyong Andrew, was arrested, and his corpse was later discovered in the Booysens area of Pretoria. The other, Amaramiro Emmanuel, died from injuries sustained in an attack by security personnel.

These incidents prompted Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu to summon the South African acting high commissioner. During the meeting, Nigeria expressed displeasure at the maltreatment of its citizens and condemned the anti-African immigrants' aggression in South Africa.

AllAfrica reported that Nigeria demanded the South African government take a proactive approach to addressing the crisis.

Ebienfa reiterated that the repatriation remains voluntary, with the government stepping in only to facilitate and coordinate. He stressed that actualization requires participants to have flight tickets ready. The process will proceed based on individuals' ability to fund their trips, without state provision of transportation.

AllAfrica reported that the Nigerian government will not fund the returns, as it views the decisions as personal. Ebienfa noted that while past efforts involved airline sponsorships, this instance places the burden on the citizens themselves. The ministry continues to monitor the situation as protests persist in South Africa.