Tinubu approves evacuation flights but Nigeria delays citizens from South Africa

Nigeria has delayed the evacuation flight for our citizens in South Africa. The aircraft was supposed to leave Johannesburg on Monday evening with about 270 passengers but officials say logistical challenges caused the postponement to Wednesday, June 10. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa confirmed it was due to 'unforeseen logistical considerations'.

President Bola Tinubu already approved five evacuation flights in total. Over 1,000 Nigerians have been screened and cleared to return home according to Nidcom. This is happening because of the rising anti-migrant riots where South Africans are targeting foreign nationals. Meanwhile Ghana has already brought back 350 of their citizens in a second batch over the weekend, making over 600 Ghanaians evacuated so far.

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa made a nationwide broadcast on Sunday saying they must end illegal migration but also warned South Africans not to turn against foreign nationals. He said the answer is faster economic growth and job creation, not violence. Nigeria is not waiting for philanthropists to donate planes this time around like what happened in 2019 when Allen Onyema sent his aircraft. But the delay still hurts when you see other countries moving faster.