FG Threatens Diplomatic Response as Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians Escalate in South Africa

The Federal Government has expressed growing frustration over renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa, warning that it may be forced to reconsider some of the benefits and privileges currently enjoyed by South African businesses and citizens operating in Nigeria if the situation persists.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the disclosure after briefing journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja following a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The minister said the Nigerian government is deeply concerned by what it views as the inadequate response of South African authorities to repeated incidents of violence, intimidation, and harassment directed at Nigerians and other African migrants residing in the country.

According to her, reports reaching Abuja indicate that Nigerian-owned businesses are being targeted, properties are being vandalised, and many citizens are living in fear amid rising hostility.

“Our citizens are being harassed, their properties are being looted, and criminal activities are being carried out against them, yet there appears to be little or no decisive action from law enforcement agencies,” she said. “The South African government has not spoken out strongly enough to condemn these attacks or reassure affected communities.”

Odumegwu-Ojukwu rejected claims that Nigerians caught up in the attacks are undocumented migrants, describing such assertions as misleading and inaccurate.

She maintained that a significant number of Nigerians living in South Africa are legally resident in the country and have established legitimate businesses that contribute to the local economy. Despite this, she said, many continue to face discrimination, intimidation, and violent attacks.

“It is completely false to suggest that Nigerians conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa are illegal migrants,” the minister stated. “Many of these individuals have built their lives and investments there, yet their shops are looted, their businesses are destroyed, and their properties are set ablaze.”

She added that the atmosphere of fear has extended beyond business owners, affecting entire families, including children who are reportedly facing intimidation in schools.

“Some children can no longer attend school freely because they are being threatened and subjected to hostility simply because of their nationality,” she said.

The minister noted that the recurring attacks are particularly painful for Nigerians given the significant role the country played in supporting South Africa during the struggle against apartheid and racial oppression.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s historical contributions, she recalled how successive Nigerian governments and citizens sacrificed resources, time, and energy to support South Africa’s liberation movement.

“Nigeria invested heavily in the fight against apartheid,” she said. “The country provided financial assistance, diplomatic support, and educational opportunities for South Africans during their years of struggle. Many Nigerian institutions reserved spaces for South African students and offered support when it was most needed.”

She further recounted how ordinary Nigerians actively participated in anti-apartheid campaigns, protests, and solidarity movements during that era.

“My generation marched in demonstrations, carried placards, and protested against apartheid. Some people were even arrested for participating in those activities. Nigeria stood firmly as a frontline state in the struggle for South Africa’s freedom, and many Nigerians feel disappointed by the treatment they are receiving today,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also argued that the attacks appear to be disproportionately directed at black African migrants, raising concerns about the motivations behind the violence.

“They are not demanding that all migrants leave South Africa. The focus seems to be largely on black African migrants, and that raises serious questions,” she stated.

The minister disclosed that the Federal Government is carefully evaluating its diplomatic and economic options in response to the situation. While she did not specify what measures might be taken, she indicated that stronger actions remain under consideration if South African authorities fail to address the concerns raised by Nigeria.

She stressed that protecting the lives, rights, and investments of Nigerians abroad remains a priority for the Tinubu administration and reiterated the government’s commitment to engaging South Africa through diplomatic channels while monitoring developments closely.

The latest warning from Abuja comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals, particularly Africans from other countries, have periodically faced attacks, displacement, and destruction of property over the years. The incidents have often strained diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa, two of Africa’s largest economies and most influential nations.

As tensions continue to mount, observers say the response of South African authorities in the coming weeks could play a crucial role in determining the future direction of relations between both countries.