The Nigerian mission in South Africa, in collaboration with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has announced free repatriation flights for Nigerians willing to return home permanently.
President of NICASA, Frank Onyekwelu, disclosed the development in an interview, noting that the initiative comes amid mounting concerns over the safety and livelihoods of Nigerians living in the country.
According to him, many Nigerians have been forced to shut down their businesses due to recurring unrest, with limited support structures available to assist those affected.
“The Nigerian Consulate, in conjunction with NICASA, has offered a free repatriation flight to any Nigerian who wishes to leave South Africa permanently, and the process is ongoing as we have recorded many Nigerians signalling interest to return home,” he said.
Onyekwelu added that the consulate’s intervention is currently one of the few viable options for Nigerians seeking to exit the country under the prevailing conditions.
Several Nigerians residing in South Africa have also shared distressing accounts, describing how repeated incidents of violence have disrupted their lives and created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
They warned that the situation continues to impact not only their businesses but also their mental well-being, with many now weighing the difficult decision to leave.
