Flight Delays Leaves Nigerians Stranded, Hungry In S’Africa

Flight Delays Leaves Nigerians Stranded, Hungry In S’Africa

Hundreds of Nigerians waiting to return home from South Africa are facing growing hardship as delays in the Federal Government’s evacuation programme leave many without food, shelter and transportation.

The affected citizens, including women, children and elderly people, had travelled from different provinces after registering for repatriation.

The President of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, said many evacuees had exhausted their savings and were now sleeping in difficult conditions while awaiting information on the next flights.

He called on the Federal Government to speed up the evacuation process and provide emergency support for those stranded.

Concerns have also grown over the approaching June 30 deadline set by anti-immigration groups targeting undocumented foreigners.

Some Nigerians said they were taking refuge with friends, while others remained at consulates and temporary shelters amid fears linked to renewed anti-migrant tensions across parts of South Africa.

The Federal Government has assured affected citizens that all registered Nigerians will be evacuated before the deadline.

While 258 people have already returned to Nigeria, more than 700 others are still awaiting transportation as authorities continue efforts to complete the voluntary repatriation exercise.