By Sandra Ugwu

The Federal Government has indicated that it may adopt retaliatory measures against South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians, which have prompted plans to repatriate citizens willing to return home.

The government also disclosed that the commencement of evacuation flights for affected Nigerians was delayed due to documentation and screening procedures being conducted in collaboration with South African authorities.

The screening of more than 1,000 Nigerians living in South Africa began last Thursday and was expected to end on Saturday, ahead of the scheduled repatriation flights on Monday. However, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said arrangements for the evacuation are still being finalized.

Speaking to State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the minister did not dismiss the possibility of Nigeria taking punitive measures against South African interests in the country.

According to her, the option remains under consideration and would require a decision at the highest levels of government, including the legislature.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed Nigeria’s dissatisfaction with the treatment of its citizens in South Africa, noting that Nigeria played a significant role in supporting South Africa’s struggle against apartheid and for independence.

She recalled that Nigeria committed substantial financial and material resources to the cause, reserved educational opportunities for South African students, and mobilized public support through demonstrations and advocacy campaigns.

The minister stressed that many Nigerians feel betrayed by the current situation, especially given the sacrifices made by the country during South Africa’s liberation struggle. She further argued that the attacks appear to be directed mainly at black migrants rather than all foreign nationals.

While no final decision has been taken, the minister emphasized that retaliatory measures remain a possibility as the government continues to assess developments and finalize plans for the safe return of affected Nigerians.