Deportation row: South Africa apologises to Nigeria

PRETORIA - The South African government has issued an apology to the Nigerian government over the deportation of 125 Nigerians who were said to have entered the country with fake yellow fever vaccination card, a gesture that was equally reciprocated by the Nigerian authorities causing a diplomatic row between the two countries. “We wish to humbly apologize to them, and we have,” South Africa’s deputy foreign minister, Ibrahim Ibrahim, told reporters. “We are apologizing because we deported a number of people who should not have been deported.” Two officials from the Nigerian High Commission were present at the news conference of South Africa’s foreign ministry but refused to comment beyond a joint statement that described reciprocation of a deportation gesture. The two countries have, however, said the row will not sour the sweet relationship they share. On March 2, South Africa deported 125 Nigerians who, according to airport health authorities, carried fraudulent yellow fever cards. Since then, authorities in Lagos, raising health concerns, have deported South Africans. Ibrahim said South African airport authorities did not properly check to determine whether the cards were authentic. He said South Africa was considering reopening a health clinic at the airport to ensure such deportations are not repeated.