Stranded Nigerians seek FG’s repatriation intervention

The Nigerian community in South Africa has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently resolve challenges delaying the repatriation of about 300 Nigerians stranded in Pretoria.

Mr Smart Nwobi, President of the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA), tendered the appeal in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Tuesday.

Nwobi said the affected Nigerians were scheduled to return home on Monday as part of the second batch of evacuees.

He, however, mentioned that the flight was cancelled due to what officials of the Nigerian mission described as technical issues.

“The Nigerians had gathered at the mission in Pretoria and were ready to travel before they were informed of the cancellation,” he said.

According to him, the union sought clarification from the mission because many of the affected persons were left stranded.

Nwobi said reports available to the union suggested that payment issues involving the airline scheduled for the evacuation could be responsible for the delay.

“We are using this opportunity to call on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and resolve the challenges holding the repatriation process,” he said.

He said the president had demonstrated commitment to the welfare of Nigerians by approving five chartered flights for the exercise.

According to him, the international community is closely observing developments surrounding the planned repatriation.

Nwobi also expressed concern over the June 30 deadline reportedly issued by groups campaigning against foreign nationals in South Africa.

He said many Nigerians had become anxious due to threats allegedly directed at foreigners in some communities.

“Most Nigerians cleared for repatriation are now stranded because of the flight cancellation,” he said.

He noted that the delayed flight was the second of five batches planned under the evacuation arrangement.

Nwobi said the union and other Nigerian associations had stepped in to support stranded citizens pending the resolution of the situation.

According to him, the union persuaded the Nigerian mission to provide temporary accommodation for some affected persons at the Nigerian House.

He added that several Nigerian state associations in South Africa also offered shelter and welfare support to stranded passengers.

Nwobi said 275 Nigerians were successfully evacuated in the first batch, while more than 1,000 others are expected to return through the five chartered flights.