Evacuation Delays Spark Protest By Nigerians In South Africa

Some Nigerian nationals awaiting evacuation from South Africa have staged a protest at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, expressing frustration over delays in repatriation flights and the processing of their return to Nigeria.

The development was revealed in a video shared by News Central TV on X on Monday, showing aggrieved Nigerians demanding immediate action from authorities to facilitate their evacuation.

Chanting, “We no go gree o, we wan go,” the protesters voiced their determination to return home, accusing officials of prolonging their stay despite earlier assurances of evacuation arrangements.

The protest comes amid ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government to repatriate citizens seeking to leave South Africa following renewed anti-immigration sentiments and concerns over xenophobic attacks in parts of the country.

Earlier reports indicated that hundreds of Nigerians had undergone screening at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria as part of the Federal Government’s evacuation programme, with officials working to conclude flight arrangements for eligible returnees.

Although 258 Nigerians have so far been evacuated, reports indicate that more than 742 registered citizens remain stranded in different provinces across South Africa.

Many of those awaiting evacuation are said to be grappling with severe hardship, including hunger and homelessness, as delays linked to flight logistics continue to stall the repatriation process.

The situation has triggered fresh appeals for the Federal Government to accelerate evacuation plans and ensure the safe return of all affected Nigerians.