The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to create a “Returnee Entrepreneurs Fund” to support Nigerians repatriated from South Africa following a wave of xenophobic attacks. In a statement issued on Thursday, NUSA’s national publicity secretary, Akindele Olunloyo, called for urgent and comprehensive government intervention to address the immediate and long-term needs of returning citizens. He emphasized the need for emergency financial aid, temporary housing, psychological support, and medical care for those injured during the attacks. The union also stressed the importance of establishing a structured repatriation programme to ensure safe and dignified returns.
Mr Olunloyo highlighted several key actions the federal government should take, including recalling diplomatic staff to apply stronger pressure on South African authorities, increasing staffing and resources at the Nigerian mission in South Africa, and maintaining accurate records of affected nationals. He also called for compensation for victims and the creation of a dedicated desk within the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to manage returnee affairs. The official urged the government to provide business grants, interest-free loans, and vocational training to help entrepreneurs rebuild livelihoods lost in South Africa.
He further recommended tax incentives, priority access to government contracts, and support for children whose education was disrupted by the attacks. While commending the federal government’s evacuation efforts during the crisis, Mr Olunloyo stressed that more must be done to ensure sustainable reintegration. He noted that 258 Nigerians were repatriated on June 11, 66 on June 24, and 271 on June 29, with nearly 400 more awaiting return after registering and obtaining clearance certificates. Many others in remote provinces have also expressed interest in returning, but face challenges like financial constraints, lack of travel documents, and family or business obligations.
Mr Olunloyo described the current situation in South Africa as “cautiously tense but relatively stable,” though many Nigerians still face targeted hostility, business disruptions, and ongoing anxiety. He condemned the attacks as a betrayal of Pan-African ideals and the Ubuntu philosophy, which promote unity and mutual respect. He attributed the violence to economic frustrations, harmful stereotypes, and the South African government’s failure to address root causes, warning that Nigerians are being unfairly blamed for problems they did not create. He urged President Tinubu to leverage Nigeria’s economic ties with South Africa more strategically, linking trade and diplomatic benefits to the protection of Nigerian nationals.
The call for a Returnee Entrepreneurs Fund reflects growing concern over the long-term impact of the xenophobic attacks on Nigeria’s diaspora. As more citizens return, the government’s ability to support their reintegration will be critical to their well-being and national stability.
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