Following xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, the federal government said is considering retaliatory measures prompted arrangements for the repatriation of Nigerians who wish to return home.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu while speaking with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The government said the first repatriation flight, earlier scheduled to begin on Monday, was delayed due to documentation and screening processes being carried out in cooperation with South African authorities. The screening exercise for over 1,000 Nigerians in South Africa began last Thursday and was expected to end on Saturday.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said arrangements were being finalised to evacuate citizens who had indicated interest in returning home. Asked whether Nigeria could retaliate by restricting privileges enjoyed by South Africans in Nigeria, the minister said such a move was being considered. She said, “Well, that is a situation that we are considering. This is up to our legislature. This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government.
“But it’s not off the table.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigerians were unhappy over the treatment of their citizens in South Africa, considering Nigeria’s historic role in the anti-apartheid struggle.
She further stated, “Nigeria is not happy because Nigeria has sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence.
“Nigeria sacrificed quite a lot, committed funds, and committed resources to aid South Africa. In schools, seats were reserved for South African students. My own generation carried placards; we demonstrated in front of South African assets. “Sometimes we even got arrested for doing this.”
The minister said Nigeria played the role of a frontline state during South Africa’s struggle and should not be treated with hostility. Odumegwu-Ojukwu added, “Nigeria is a serious frontline state, and Nigerians are not happy about how they have been treated.
“They are not asking other migrants to leave; they’re only asking black migrants to leave.”
