The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to support repatriated Nigerians from South Africa by providing financial assistance, temporary accommodation for those without immediate housing and establishing a ‘returnee entrepreneurs fund’ to rebuild livelihoods.

NUSA national publicity secretary, Akindele Olunloyo, called for relief while responding to enquiries from the Peoples Gazette on Thursday.

Referencing the union’s coordination with the Nigerian Consulate, the Nigerian High Commission and available records, Mr Olunloyo stated that about 324 Nigerians were repatriated in two batches on June 11 (258 Nigerians) and on June 24 (66 Nigerians).

He stated that another 271 Nigerians were airlifted on June 29, while an additional estimated 400 Nigerians, who have registered and obtained clearance certificates, are waiting to return to Nigeria.

The spokesman noted that several other Nigerians residing in South Africa’s remote provinces have also expressed interest in registering for repatriation.

The union’s publicity secretary disclosed that several Nigerians who wish to return home face financial constraints, lack proper travel documentation and have business and family commitments that complicate their immediate departure.

He, however, commended the federal government for pursuing diplomatic engagement through the Nigerian Consulate and the Nigerian High Commission, evacuating Nigerians in immediate danger, issuing safety advisories and making public statements, particularly against xenophobic attacks.

The NUSA spokesman urged Mr Tinubu to leverage Nigeria’s economic relationship with South Africa more strategically, adding that Nigeria’s trade and diplomatic privileges should be tied to the protection of Nigerian nationals.

He noted that other areas requiring stronger government action include establishing a comprehensive repatriation programme, recalling diplomatic staff to exert stronger diplomatic pressure, providing compensation for victims, increasing staffing and resources at the Nigerian mission in South Africa, and maintaining accurate records of affected Nigerians.

He urged the federal government to treat the ongoing repatriation of Nigerians from South Africa as the beginning of a comprehensive support programme, rather than as the end of its responsibility in the matter.

The group called on Mr Tinubu’s administration to implement immediate relief, medium-term support and long-term reintegration initiatives, while emphasising that successful reintegration is crucial not only to the well-being of returnees but also to Nigeria’s international reputation and diaspora relations.

Mr Olunloyo called on the federal government to offer “emergency financial assistance to cover basic needs upon arrival, temporary accommodation for those without immediate housing, psychological counselling and trauma support for victims of violence and medical assistance for those injured during the xenophobic attacks.”

He also urged the federal government to introduce skills assessment and vocational training initiatives, provide business grants and interest-free loans to entrepreneurs seeking to rebuild businesses lost in South Africa, create job placement services and employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors, and offer educational support for children whose schooling was disrupted. 

Mr Olunloyo also called for the establishment of a “returnee entrepreneurs fund” specifically for repatriated Nigerians, adding that there should be priority consideration for government contracts and procurement opportunities, tax incentives for businesses established by returnees, and the creation of a dedicated desk within the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to coordinate returnee affairs. 

Commenting on the spate of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans, the spokesman described the attacks as “troubling and a fundamental contradiction of the spirit of Pan-Africanism and Ubuntu, which should define the continent.”

He said the attacks against Nigerians and others stemmed from “economic frustrations being misdirected towards foreign nationals, misinformation and stereotyping that criminalise entire nationalities based on the actions of a few individuals, as well as an inadequate government response to addressing the root causes and holding perpetrators accountable.”

Mr Olunloyo added, “It is particularly painful that Nigerians, who contribute significantly to South Africa’s economy through legitimate businesses, professional services, and cultural exchange, are being scapegoated for socio-economic challenges they did not create. For example, Aliko Dangote’s Sephaku Cement investment of over R1 billion is the largest African foreign direct investment in South Africa.”

He described the current situation of Nigerians in South Africa as “cautiously tense but relatively stable,” adding that many Nigerians continue to experience “targeted hostility, business disruptions and persistent tension.”