Hundreds of Nigerians Stranded Without Shelter and Food in South Africa - NICASA
Evacuation Delays Worsen Conditions for Nigerians in South Africa
Hundreds of Nigerians who registered for the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation programme in South Africa are reportedly stranded without shelter, food and financial support following delays in scheduled evacuation flights. The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) said many affected individuals, including women and children, have exhausted their resources while waiting to return home.
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The situation has raised humanitarian concerns as stranded Nigerians continue to await evacuation amid ongoing tensions and anti-immigrant sentiment in parts of South Africa.
Evacuation Delays Leave Many Vulnerable
According to NICASA President Frank Onyekwelu, many Nigerians travelled from different provinces across South Africa after being instructed to report for registration and screening under the repatriation programme. However, delays in evacuation flights have left many without accommodation, transportation or means of sustenance.
The association said several families had depleted their savings after travelling long distances in anticipation of their departure, only to face uncertainty over when the next evacuation flights would be available.
Calls for Emergency Government Intervention
NICASA has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently expedite the repatriation process and provide emergency humanitarian assistance to affected Nigerians.
The association is seeking temporary welfare support, improved communication and faster completion of the evacuation exercise to ease the hardship faced by those awaiting departure. It also called for closer engagement between government officials and community leaders to address immediate needs.
According to the group, Nigerians who complied with official directives deserve adequate support and protection throughout the evacuation process.
Background to the Evacuation Programme
The repatriation effort was initiated following renewed xenophobic tensions and anti-immigrant protests in parts of South Africa. The Federal Government began arrangements earlier in June to facilitate the voluntary return of Nigerians who wished to leave the country amid growing security concerns.
The first batch of 262 Nigerians was successfully evacuated from Johannesburg to Lagos under a government-supported operation coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). Authorities had indicated that nearly 1,000 Nigerians registered for evacuation, meaning hundreds remain awaiting transportation.
Growing Concerns Over Safety
The delays come against the backdrop of continued fears among migrant communities following reports of xenophobic attacks and anti-foreigner campaigns. Community leaders say uncertainty surrounding future developments has heightened anxiety among Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa.
Stakeholders have therefore urged authorities to complete the evacuation process promptly while ensuring the welfare of those still waiting to return home.
Conclusion
The plight of hundreds of stranded Nigerians in South Africa has highlighted the humanitarian challenges that can arise during emergency repatriation exercises. As evacuation efforts continue, stakeholders are calling for urgent intervention to provide relief, improve coordination and ensure that affected citizens return home safely and with dignity.
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