A Nigerian woman, Emilia Godwin, has declared that she will never return to South Africa, alleging that Nigerians living in the country face discrimination, hostility, and mistreatment.
Emilia was among the 258 Nigerian citizens who arrived in Lagos on Thursday following a Federal Government-assisted evacuation from South Africa. The returnees landed safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, where several of them shared their experiences with journalists.
Speaking shortly after her arrival, an emotional Emilia expressed relief at being back in Nigeria and said she had long desired to leave South Africa after years of what she described as difficult experiences.
“Now that I am back in my country, I can finally speak freely,” she said.
According to her, many Nigerians living in South Africa often face unfriendly treatment and social exclusion. She alleged that Nigerians are frequently mocked, intimidated, and treated unfairly in different settings.
“They do not like us. In many places, people make fun of you and treat you badly. We often feel powerless and unable to defend ourselves,” she said.
Emilia claimed that many Nigerians avoid speaking out about their experiences for fear of victimisation or retaliation.
She further stated that she had been hoping for an opportunity to return home for several years but was unable to do so due to personal and financial circumstances.
“I came to South Africa in 2014, and not long after arriving, I started noticing things that made me uncomfortable. I wanted to return home, but I did not have the opportunity. I have been waiting for a chance to leave ever since,” she explained.
When asked whether she would ever consider returning to South Africa in the future, Emilia gave a firm negative response.
According to her, her decision is final despite the fact that her daughter was born in South Africa.
“My daughter is South African by birth, but I will never go back there again. I have made up my mind,” she said.
Emilia also spoke about the personal tragedy she said her family suffered while living in South Africa. She alleged that her husband died under circumstances she believes were connected to events that occurred during their stay in the country.
The grieving mother claimed that the experience left her deeply traumatised and strengthened her determination to leave permanently.
She further alleged that some Nigerian men encounter serious personal and family challenges while living abroad, claiming that a number of them become involved in complicated relationships that sometimes end badly.
According to Emilia, she has witnessed situations in which Nigerian men who settled in South Africa faced unexpected difficulties that affected their lives and families.
While many of her comments reflected personal opinions and experiences, she maintained that her years in South Africa convinced her that returning to Nigeria was the best decision for herself and her family.
The latest repatriation exercise was facilitated through the intervention of the Federal Government as part of efforts to assist Nigerians who wished to return home.
The arrival of the 258 returnees highlights the continuing concerns surrounding the welfare of some Nigerians living abroad and the challenges faced by migrant communities in different countries.
For Emilia, however, the journey back to Nigeria represents the end of a chapter she says was marked by hardship, disappointment, and emotional pain.
Despite the difficulties she claims to have endured, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return home and begin a new phase of life in Nigeria.
“I am happy to be back in my country,” she said. “Whatever challenges we have here, this is still home.”
Her story adds to the growing conversation about the experiences of Nigerians in foreign countries and the importance of ensuring the safety, dignity, and welfare of citizens wherever they reside.
