A group of Nigerians awaiting repatriation from South Africa has reportedly protested at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria over delays in their return to Nigeria.
The development was revealed by News Central TV in a video posted on X on Monday. According to the report, the demonstrators expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of the evacuation process and demanded that authorities facilitate their return as previously arranged.
“We no go gree o, we wan go,” the protesters were heard chanting their desire to leave South Africa.
The protest comes as the Nigerian government continues efforts to evacuate citizens seeking to return home amid rising anti-immigration sentiments and concerns over xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
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Earlier reports indicated that hundreds of Nigerians participated in a screening exercise conducted at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria as part of the Federal Government’s repatriation initiative. Officials were said to be working on finalising travel arrangements for those registered for evacuation.
Although 258 Nigerians have already been flown back to Nigeria, reports indicate that more than 742 others remain stranded in different parts of South Africa. Many of them are reportedly battling hunger and homelessness as delays linked to flight logistics continue to hamper the evacuation exercise.
The situation has intensified calls on the Federal Government to speed up the repatriation process and ensure the safe return of affected citizens.