17th June, 2026 | News

Nigerians in South Africa Raise Alarm Over June 30 Anti-Immigration Deadline

The Nigerian community in South Africa has expressed concern over a June 30 deadline announced by anti-immigration groups, warning that the situation could expose Nigerians and other foreign nationals to increased intimidation, violence, and destruction of property if preventive measures are not taken.

The warning was issued by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), Mr. Ekos Akpokabayen, who urged the Nigerian government to engage South African authorities and closely monitor developments to prevent any escalation of tensions.

In a statement released in Johannesburg, Akpokabayen clarified that the ultimatum did not originate from the South African government but from anti-foreign immigration groups whose activities have heightened anxiety among migrant communities.

According to him, such developments could create an environment that criminal elements might exploit to target foreigners and their businesses.

“It is always better to prevent such situations before they escalate because the consequences may be severe,” he said.

Call for Vigilance and Diplomatic Engagement

Akpokabayen warned that opportunistic criminals could take advantage of the unrest to loot and vandalise businesses owned by foreign nationals, similar to incidents recorded during previous outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa.

He called on the Nigerian Mission in South Africa to maintain close communication with Nigerian community leaders and intensify efforts to monitor the situation across the country.

He also advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant while supporting one another during the period of uncertainty.

The NUSA official expressed optimism that proactive diplomatic engagement between both countries could help prevent any deterioration in security and protect residents regardless of nationality.

Concerns Over Delayed Evacuation Flights

The renewed concerns come amid complaints about delays affecting the voluntary evacuation of Nigerians who have chosen to return home.

Speaking from Pretoria, NUSA President Mr. Smart Nwobi disclosed that approximately 300 Nigerians scheduled to depart South Africa on June 15 were unable to travel after their flight was reportedly cancelled due to technical issues.

According to him, the affected individuals had assembled at the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria before being informed of the cancellation.

Nwobi said the union sought clarification from mission officials regarding the reasons for the disruption and expressed concern about the uncertainty facing those awaiting evacuation.

He also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and address any challenges delaying the repatriation process.

According to Nwobi, the President had already approved five chartered flights to facilitate the voluntary return of Nigerians, making the delay particularly concerning.

Support for Stranded Nigerians

Nwobi revealed that NUSA and other Nigerian community organisations had stepped in to assist those affected by the cancellation.

He said the union worked with the Nigerian Mission to provide temporary accommodation for some stranded Nigerians, while various state associations offered shelter and support to others.

According to him, 275 Nigerians had already returned home through the first evacuation flight, while more than 1,000 people are expected to be repatriated through five planned chartered flights.

Longstanding Concerns Over Xenophobic Violence

South Africa has experienced several waves of xenophobic violence over the years, with migrants from various African countries often becoming targets of attacks.

Nigerians, alongside migrants from countries such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and Somalia, have frequently been affected during periods of unrest.

Major outbreaks in 2008, 2015, and 2019 resulted in deaths, injuries, and the destruction of numerous foreign-owned businesses, leading to diplomatic concerns across the continent.

The 2019 attacks, in particular, strained relations between Nigeria and South Africa and prompted the evacuation of hundreds of Nigerians.

Although both countries later strengthened cooperation on migration, security, and consular issues, recent anti-immigration campaigns have revived fears among migrant communities.

Community leaders say the approaching June 30 deadline has heightened concerns, with many foreign nationals worried that the rhetoric surrounding the campaign could encourage hostility and place vulnerable migrants at risk, despite the fact that the ultimatum does not represent an official policy of the South African government.