Nigerian Lawyer Urges Government to Evacuate Citizens

Ugochukwu Anyiam, a South Africa-based Nigerian lawyer and outgoing president of the Igbo Lawyers Association, has called on the Nigerian Federal Government to intensify evacuation efforts for Nigerians facing xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Speaking on the Arise News breakfast programme, Anyiam commended the government's previous interventions but emphasized that many Nigerians still require assistance to return home.

He noted that eight batches of Nigerians have been evacuated, with five operations officially handled by the government and the rest supported by private organizations, including Air Peace, ValueJet Airlines, and the Igbo Lawyers Association, which sponsored the evacuation of 33 Nigerians. Anyiam raised concerns about the arrest of undocumented Nigerians at airports, stating that many wish to leave voluntarily but face procedural barriers.

He urged the Nigerian government to negotiate a blanket waiver with South African authorities to allow undocumented Nigerians who can afford tickets to leave without fear of arrest. Anyiam also called for support from wealthy Nigerians and organizations to address this humanitarian crisis.