FG Issues ‘Last Call’ for Nigerians in South Africa as Evacuation Flights Continue

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has issued a last call for documentation by Nigerians seeking evacuation from South Africa, amid ongoing xenophobic protests and attacks on migrants.

In a statement posted, on Monday, on her verified social media platforms, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria remains concerned about the safety of its citizens following the deaths of two Nigerians, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu, in the attacks.

The minister demanded that South African authorities urgently investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice. 

“There are no signs that the situation is improving,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended the Federal Government’s evacuation beyond the initial June 30 deadline. 

Three evacuation flights have already been carried out, with a fourth arriving in Nigeria on July 3, 2026.

Another evacuation flight will depart for Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7, to bring more Nigerians home. The last evacuation flight is expected to arrive in South Africa on July 10, 2026.

The minister urged Nigerians who consider their lives at risk to take advantage of the FG-sponsored charter flights. 

“Our citizens are strongly advised to take advantage of this extension and utilize the full capacity of the aircrafts,” she said.

She warned that those still sitting on the fence may not get further assistance once the exercises end. 

"Sending out distress calls after these evacuation exercises might have concluded, and when there was an opportunity to leave which they did not utilize, will not help matters,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said. 

“They should do well to note that properties and investments lost can be replaced, but not lives lost.”

The minister reiterated that the Federal Government remains committed to the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad and will put all necessary measures in place to protect them.

The statement comes amid renewed xenophobic protests and attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.