Nigerians in south Africa with great establishment in businesses and other aspect of life over few years of hard work and commitment are now threatened with the Nigeria South African xenophobia in 2026. Nigeria South Africa Xenophobia.
South African protesters, popularly called “Operation Dudula,” accuse foreigners of taking jobs, committing crimes, and straining resources. So, they gave a deadline for the evacuation of foreigners in their country. As a result of this, the Nigerian government has decided to create a voluntary program.
Over 1000 Nigerians have registered for the voluntary program, and the first batch of 268 Nigerians arrived in Lagos on June 10/11, 2026, via an Air Peace flight from Johannesburg.
What Is Actually Happening on the Ground
The south Africa Xenophobia is not a new thing in 2026. It started after the end of apartheid. The cause of this is majorly due to the low employment rate in south Africa and economic pressure.
However, South Africa escalated in May 2026 when thousands of South Africans raided foreign shops and attacked areas like Johannesburg, Pretoria, and parts of Gauteng province. This set of people gave foreigners an ultimatum of June 30, 2026, to evacuate South Africa.
Currently, there are reports that foreign nationals, most especially black Africans are being harassed and assaulted so bad as their shops are being looted. Their primary target is Nigerians, Congolese, and other West/Central African migrants.
Nigeria Is Evacuating Its Citizens. Here Are the Details of Every Flight
The Nigerian government have made some credible effort over the Nigeria South Africa Xenophobia. President Bola Tinubu has approved five Air Peace-operated evacuation flights to bring affected Nigerians home at no cost to the returnees. The first flight carrying approximately 270 passengers was departed O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night June 10 and arrive at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos at approximately 5am on Thursday June 11.
The Federal Government also extended the screening exercise for Nigerian nationals indicating interest in returning home. Over 500 persons have been screened and cleared while more than 1,000 citizens have indicated interest in the voluntary repatriation. The screening is being conducted jointly by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the South African Police and immigration authorities.
The Warning Bianca Ojukwu Issued That South Africa Cannot Ignore
When asked whether Nigeria was considering retaliatory measures including the suspension or review of privileges currently enjoyed by South African businesses and nationals in Nigeria. The Minister of Foreign affairs said “That is a situation that we are considering. This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government. But it is not off the table.” These major South Africa businesses include MTN, Shoprite, and Standard Bank.
The House of Representatives had earlier recommended a temporary suspension of business permits for South African companies operating in Nigeria. The Senate also resolved to send a high-level delegates led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio to South Africa to formally express Nigeria’s displeasure towards the Nigeria South Africa Xenophobia.
Final Thoughts on Nigeria South Africa Xenophobia
In 2022, it was recorded that there are about 2.4 million foreign nationals in South Africa which is 3.7% of the general population of 65 million. This has led to the high unemployment rate of 30% in south Africa. However, the Nigeria South Africa Xenophobia is not just a humanitarian fight, it now affects the economies of Africa.
Nigeria helped free South Africa from apartheid. Nigerian resources, Nigerian advocacy, Nigerian solidarity built the moral case for South African independence internationally.
For that same South Africa to now watch its citizens burn Nigerian shops and loot Nigerian businesses while offering inadequate protection is a betrayal that goes beyond politics.
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