FG Threatens Review of South African Privileges Over Fresh Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians
The Federal Government has warned that it may reconsider some of the privileges enjoyed by South African businesses and nationals in Nigeria following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this after briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
She expressed Nigeria’s displeasure over what she described as the inadequate response of South African authorities to recurring attacks on Nigerians living and working in the country.
According to the minister, reports indicate that Nigerians have been subjected to harassment, while their homes, shops and businesses have been looted and destroyed.
“Our citizens are being harassed. Their properties are being looted, and criminal acts are being committed while law enforcement agencies appear unwilling to act. The South African government has not condemned these incidents strongly enough,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu rejected claims that those affected were undocumented migrants, insisting that many Nigerians in South Africa are legally resident and operate legitimate businesses.
She noted that despite complying with immigration laws, many Nigerians continue to face intimidation, violence and discrimination.
The minister described the situation as particularly troubling given Nigeria’s historic role in supporting South Africa’s struggle against apartheid.
She recalled that Nigeria contributed financial resources to the anti-apartheid movement and provided educational opportunities for South African students during the liberation struggle.
“Nigeria sacrificed a great deal for South Africa’s freedom. We committed resources, supported the struggle and even reserved spaces in our schools for South African students. Nigerians are deeply disappointed by the treatment being meted out to our citizens,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also argued that the attacks appeared to be directed primarily at black African migrants.
“They are not asking other migrants to leave. The focus appears to be on black African migrants,” she added.
On possible retaliatory measures, the minister said the Federal Government was considering several options and had not ruled out stronger diplomatic action.
“That possibility is being considered. Any decision will be taken at the highest level of government, but it is certainly not off the table,” she stated.
The latest development comes amid growing pressure from the National Assembly. The House of Representatives has recommended the temporary suspension of business permits granted to South African companies operating in Nigeria, while the Senate resolved to send a high-powered delegation led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio to South Africa to formally convey Nigeria’s concerns.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has intensified efforts to evacuate Nigerians willing to return home from South Africa.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu revealed that President Tinubu approved five evacuation flights to facilitate the return of affected citizens and said a crisis response unit had been activated at Nigeria’s missions in Johannesburg and Pretoria to coordinate the exercise.
She disclosed that more than 1,000 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation, while hundreds have already completed the necessary screening process.
The first evacuation flight, expected to transport about 270 passengers from Johannesburg, was postponed due to logistical and operational arrangements.
The minister clarified that the delay was unrelated to any diplomatic dispute and was intended to ensure proper coordination among the agencies involved.
She added that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant institutions, was putting measures in place to support and rehabilitate returning citizens.
“This evacuation is being undertaken with NEMA and other government agencies to ensure that Nigerians returning home receive the necessary support and rehabilitation,” she said.
The current tensions follow renewed anti-immigration protests in parts of South Africa, where some groups have been demanding the removal of foreign nationals.
Nigeria had earlier summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner over the attacks, while diplomatic engagements between both countries remain ongoing.
