Returning Home: Repatriated Nigerians Face Economic Hardship After Leaving South Africa

For Iniebong James, stepping off a repatriation flight in Lagos last week brought an immediate sense of relief. But that feeling quickly gave way to uncertainty as he confronted the challenge of rebuilding a life in Nigeria after spending a decade in South Africa.

James, 52, was among hundreds of Nigerians recently returned from South Africa amid growing concerns over anti-immigrant sentiment and attacks targeting foreign nationals. He had moved to South Africa 10 years ago on a six-month visitor’s visa and remained after it expired, establishing himself as a car mechanic in Eastern Cape Province.

His situation changed dramatically in May when he was reportedly attacked during anti-immigrant protests, suffering a head injury. The incident occurred amid a rise in demonstrations calling for undocumented migrants to leave the country and reports of violence directed at foreign communities.

Several African governments, including Nigeria, have organized repatriation efforts in recent weeks, citing security concerns for their citizens and rising tensions in South Africa.

Like many migrants, James originally left Nigeria in search of better opportunities. He had worked as a truck driver in Lagos before losing his job when his employer shut down during Nigeria’s economic downturn in 2016. Persistent unemployment and unreliable electricity supplies convinced him to seek a future abroad.

Now back home, James says he faces a different set of challenges. Nigeria’s economy has undergone major changes in recent years, including reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The removal of fuel subsidies and currency adjustments have contributed to rising living costs and inflation.

“When I left, fuel was affordable. Now everything is expensive,” James said, expressing concern about finding employment and supporting himself.

The Nigerian government has pledged assistance for returnees before they are reunited with their families, although details of any long-term support programs remain unclear.

Another returnee, Omotola Adeniyi, left Nigeria as a child and spent 11 years in South Africa. Despite completing high school there, she said she struggled to secure employment, often encountering employers unwilling to hire foreigners.

Unable to afford a return ticket on her own, she accepted the Nigerian government’s offer of transportation home. Yet after more than a decade away, she now finds herself adjusting to a country that feels unfamiliar.

The recent unrest has prompted diplomatic responses across Africa. Nigeria, Ghana and other countries have raised concerns with South African authorities while facilitating the return of their citizens.

Migration experts note that returning home is often more complicated than expected, particularly for those who have spent years building lives elsewhere. Despite recent tensions, South Africa remains an important destination for many African migrants because of its relatively developed economy and infrastructure.

For returnees like James and Adeniyi, however, the focus is now on adapting to life back in Nigeria and finding a path forward in a challenging economic environment.