Nigeria Offers Free Flights Home After South Africa Attacks

When violence erupted against African immigrants in South Africa, Nigeria's government first told citizens they'd have to pay for their own flights home. Now President Bola Tinubu has reversed course, offering completely free evacuation flights to more than 1,000 Nigerians who registered to leave.

The change came after officials initially said 300 Nigerians wanted to return home and would need to cover their own airfare. By Saturday, that number had grown to over 1,000 screened applicants, and the government announced it would fund their entire journey back.

Five Air Peace flights will begin departing South Africa next week, transporting Nigerians home at no cost. The evacuation marks one of the largest repatriation efforts Nigeria has undertaken for its diaspora community.

Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the government would deploy aircraft and cover all expenses. The screening process, which wrapped up Saturday, involved Nigeria's High Commission in Pretoria working alongside South African immigration authorities and police.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who leads Nigeria's Diaspora Commission, described impressive turnout at the embassy despite the emotional circumstances. She praised Acting High Commissioner Olatunde Ajayi for managing a smooth, professional process during a tense situation.

The screening began on June 4 and concluded after three days of processing Nigerians eager to return home. Officials worked to verify identities and clear participants for the voluntary repatriation program.

The Ripple Effect

Nigeria isn't alone in protecting its citizens. Ghana has already evacuated over 300 Ghanaians since the latest wave of xenophobic attacks began more than a month ago, showing how African nations are stepping up to safeguard their people abroad.

The coordinated effort demonstrates how governments can quickly mobilize resources when their citizens face crisis. By working with South African authorities rather than escalating tensions, Nigeria created a peaceful path forward for those who felt unsafe.

President Tinubu's funding approval means families separated by violence can reunite without financial burden adding to their stress. For many returnees, the free flights represent not just safe passage, but their government standing behind them during a frightening time.

The swift reversal from paid to free evacuation shows responsive leadership that listened to the scale of the crisis and adjusted accordingly.