Nigerian Envoy Urges Support for Stranded Citizens in SA

Temitope Ajayi, the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, has called for more support from private organizations and individuals to assist in the repatriation of stranded Nigerians. This appeal was made during a visit from the MTN Media Innovation Programme Cohort 5 at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria.

To date, the Commission has successfully evacuated 1,699 Nigerians in partnership with Air Peace. Following a renewed call for foreigners to leave South Africa by September 30, the Commission is preparing for additional evacuations.

Ajayi acknowledged the support from the Redeemed Christian Church of God, which helped evacuate 500 Nigerians, and urged other religious organizations, including Winners Chapel and Streams of Joy International, to contribute. The Nigerian government has previously sponsored five evacuation flights, with various states providing support for their returning indigenes.

The High Commission has reported at least 10 verified cases of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians this year and expressed concern over the South African government's response to these incidents.