The Federal Government has said Nigerians seeking voluntary repatriation from South Africa will bear the cost of their return trip to Nigeria, stressing that the exercise is self-funded and not sponsored by the state.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the government’s role is limited to facilitating and coordinating the process for citizens willing to return home.
His remarks followed a closed-door meeting between the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dunoma Ahmed, and the South African Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele.
Ebienfa explained that the repatriation is voluntary, adding that those interested must approach the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa and provide the resources needed to fund their journey.
According to him, about 130 Nigerians had registered for voluntary return as of Monday morning, but their departure depends on their ability to purchase flight tickets.
He noted that the government will not deploy an aircraft from Nigeria for the exercise at this stage.
The Federal Government had earlier indicated readiness to assist Nigerians willing to leave South Africa amid rising xenophobic tensions and attacks targeting black immigrants in parts of the country.
Officials said those seeking return fall into two categories: Nigerians who feel unsafe due to the growing tensions, and others facing travel or residency documentation issues who want government support to facilitate their return rather than risk arrest by South African authorities.
Ebienfa, however, said the government could review its position and provide further assistance, including transport support, if the security situation worsens.
