By Matilda Ikediobi 

The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, NICASA, has called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the plight of hundreds of stranded Nigerians awaiting repatriation from South Africa under an ongoing evacuation programme.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National President, Mr. Frank Onyekwelu, the association expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation facing Nigerians who had registered for voluntary repatriation but are yet to be evacuated due to delays in scheduled flights.

According to NICASA, many of the affected citizens travelled from different provinces across South Africa after responding to directives to present themselves for registration and screening ahead of their return to Nigeria.

The association said the delay in completing the evacuation process had left many Nigerians, including women and children, stranded without adequate shelter, food, transportation and financial support.

“Today, numerous families, including women and children, are stranded without shelter, food, transportation or financial means to sustain themselves,” the statement said.

NICASA noted that several of the affected citizens had exhausted their resources after travelling long distances in anticipation of their departure, only to face prolonged uncertainty.

The association further alleged that some Nigerians experienced humiliation, insensitive treatment and poor communication from certain officials during the registration and screening exercise.

It argued that citizens who responded to official directives deserved empathy, dignity and reassurance during the difficult period rather than experiences that worsened their situation.

NICASA also expressed dissatisfaction with the level of engagement between the Nigerian mission in South Africa and community leadership structures, saying the Nigerian community had not felt adequately represented, informed or supported throughout the exercise.

The association specifically criticised the handling of the process by the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Alexandra Ajayi, stating that improved coordination and communication could have reduced the confusion and hardship being experienced by those affected.

Consequently, NICASA called on the Federal Government to immediately expedite the completion of the repatriation programme and ensure that stranded Nigerians receive the necessary support pending their departure.

The association also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deploy emergency resources and establish a humanitarian support mechanism for affected citizens.

It further appealed to the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Matters to undertake urgent oversight and ensure that the welfare and dignity of Nigerians involved in the exercise were protected.

NICASA equally called on relevant government agencies to facilitate the remaining four evacuation flights and ensure that all registered Nigerians were safely returned home without further delay.

The association urged the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to improve communication with affected citizens, provide temporary welfare support and engage more constructively with community leaders to address immediate concerns.

“Our citizens are not merely statistics. They are fathers, mothers, children, students, workers and entrepreneurs who have found themselves in desperate circumstances. Their cries for help must not go unanswered,” the statement added.

While reaffirming its commitment to supporting the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders in the successful completion of the repatriation programme, NICASA stressed that the suffering of stranded Nigerians required urgent attention and decisive action.

The association appealed to all authorities concerned to act swiftly to restore hope, dignity and confidence in the protection of Nigerians living abroad.