The Federal Government says Nigerians seeking to return home from South Africa over rising xenophobic attacks will have to pay for their own travel.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the planned return is voluntary and will not be funded by the government, even as about 130 Nigerians have already registered to come back.
Spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said those interested must be ready to cover their costs.
“Those willing to leave are expected to approach the high commission and, given that their decision is voluntary, have the resources to fund their return to Nigeria,” he said.
He added that the government will only “facilitate and coordinate” the process and will not “provide an aircraft from Nigeria to convey them.”
Ebienfa said the number of returnees could grow, but actual travel depends on their ability to buy tickets.
“Yes, 130 as of this morning have registered, but actualisation would be required to have their flight ticket,” he said.
The government said those seeking to return fall into two groups.
One group fears for their safety due to ongoing attacks, while the other includes people with immigration issues who want to leave instead of facing arrest.
“There are two groups of Nigerians who want to come back.
“One group feels the country is not safe for them,” Ebienfa said.
The development follows renewed anti-immigrant protests in parts of South Africa, where foreigners have been targeted.
Officials say the situation is still being monitored and the government may step in with more support if conditions worsen.
