By Ebi Kesiena
Hundreds of Nigerians awaiting evacuation from South Africa have appealed to the Nigerian Government for urgent intervention as prolonged delays in the repatriation process continue to expose them to severe hardship, with many reportedly left without food, shelter and financial support.
The affected citizens, including women, children and elderly persons, are said to be struggling to survive after exhausting their savings while waiting for flights back to Nigeria. Many had travelled from various provinces across South Africa to participate in registration and screening exercises under the government’s evacuation programme, only to face uncertainty over when they will be returned home.
President of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, raised the alarm on Friday, urging the Federal Government to expedite the evacuation process and provide immediate assistance to those stranded.
He explained that many Nigerians complied with official directives in good faith, believing arrangements had been finalized for their departure, but have now been left in difficult conditions with no clear timeline for evacuation.
According to him, numerous families who travelled long distances for registration are now stranded without accommodation, food, transportation or the means to sustain themselves.
Onyekwelu also expressed concern over reports of poor communication and alleged mistreatment experienced by some Nigerians during the registration and screening process. He stressed that citizens who responded to government directives deserve dignity, protection and humane treatment rather than additional hardship.
“Our citizens are not merely statistics. They are fathers, mothers, children, students, workers and entrepreneurs who have found themselves in desperate circumstances. Their cries for help must not go unanswered,” he said.
The NICASA president called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies to deploy emergency support for stranded Nigerians while arrangements are made to complete the evacuation exercise.
He further appealed to authorities to facilitate the remaining four evacuation flights to ensure all registered citizens are returned home without further delay.
Onyekwelu noted that many members of the Nigerian community in South Africa feel insufficiently supported by Nigeria’s diplomatic mission at a time of growing uncertainty and fear.
Meanwhile, anxiety has intensified among undocumented migrants following a June 30 deadline issued by anti-immigration groups in South Africa. A Nigerian resident, who spoke anonymously, described the atmosphere as tense, revealing that many Nigerians have gone into hiding while awaiting evacuation.
He said several migrants are currently sheltering with friends or sleeping in temporary locations after losing jobs that previously provided accommodation. Others, he added, remain stranded around consulates and temporary shelters alongside migrants from other countries, enduring harsh weather conditions.
Another Nigerian, Nze Akumezienwata, urged fellow citizens to prioritize their safety and exercise caution amid the rising tensions. In a Facebook post, he advised Nigerians, particularly those sleeping on the streets, to consider leaving the country while remaining vigilant in their daily movements.
