Hundreds of Nigerians stranded in South Africa have expressed frustration over delays in their planned repatriation, as ongoing coordination challenges between authorities continue to slow down evacuation efforts.
Key Highlights:
- Hundreds of Nigerians in South Africa protested delays in their repatriation.
- Over 742 citizens are awaiting return after 258 were evacuated on June 11.
- Delays were blamed on logistical and immigration challenges.
- Nigerian officials assured that efforts are ongoing to bring everyone home.
Officials say more than 742 Nigerians are still awaiting return to the country after an initial evacuation flight on June 11 successfully transported 258 citizens to Lagos.
A second scheduled flight was later postponed due to logistical difficulties and immigration-related issues.
The delay has left many of the stranded Nigerians in difficult conditions, prompting protests from affected individuals.
Among those who voiced concerns are the President-General of the Nigerian Union South Africa, Smart Nwobi, and South Africa-based social commentator, Ikye Okaekwu.
They said many Nigerians are currently without proper shelter, while others complained that their travel documents had been canceled or rendered invalid, making movement and processing more complicated.
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Several of the stranded citizens also reported challenges in accessing basic necessities, including food and temporary accommodation, as they await further updates on repatriation arrangements.
In response, Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Temitope Ajayi, assured that no Nigerian would be abandoned.
He said efforts were ongoing to resolve the issues delaying the next evacuation flight and to ensure the safe return of all affected citizens.
Meanwhile, non-governmental organisations have stepped in to provide temporary humanitarian support, including food supplies and basic relief materials.
With a June 30 deadline approaching for parts of the evacuation exercise, concerns are growing over whether all remaining Nigerians will be repatriated on schedule, amid continuing coordination challenges between Nigerian and South African authorities.
