Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made it clear: citizens in South Africa who want to return home will have to pay their own way.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the planned return is voluntary and not funded by the government. His remarks came after a private meeting between Permanent Secretary Dunoma Ahmed and South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele.
Ebienfa explained that the government will only help organise the process, not bankroll it. In the past, returns like this were backed by private support, especially from airline boss Allen Onyema of Air Peace.
This comes as Nigeria recently signalled readiness to bring citizens home following rising xenophobic attacks in parts of South Africa, where protests against black immigrants have continued. Two Nigerians were reportedly killed last month.
So far, about 130 Nigerians have shown interest in returning.
Ebienfa stressed that each person must cover their travel costs. He said, “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.”
He added that the government will not “provide an aircraft from Nigeria to convey them,” noting that movement will depend on who can afford tickets. “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 some are leaving over safety fears, while others with document issues want help to return instead of facing authorities.
Still, he hinted the government may step in with more support if the situation worsens.
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