FG demands end to attacks on Nigerians in South Africa

The Federal Government has demanded that South Africa take immediate and substantial actions to stop xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks on African nationals within its borders. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, advocated for enhanced migration governance, responsible political leadership, and strengthened people-to-people connections across the continent during a virtual roundtable on "South Africa's Xenophobia in Comparative Perspective" organized by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.

Nigeria's foreign minister underscored that the issue should be addressed without denial or exaggeration, arguing that "Afrophobia" more accurately described the nature of the violence. He expressed dismay at the irony of South Africans who once supported Nigeria during its anti-apartheid struggle now being treated as "unwanted outsiders."

Enikanolaiye highlighted the historical significance of Nigeria and South Africa's relationship, emphasizing the blood, sacrifice, and solidarity involved. Nigeria has committed over $60 billion to support South Africa's liberation struggle, including nationalization of British Petroleum and provision of scholarships. Since June 2022, about 90 Nigerians have been killed in xenophobic attacks, and fresh violence continued in 2026.

The minister called on South African authorities to improve transparent and humane migration systems, ensure strict enforcement of immigration laws, curb vigilantism, and promote fact-based discourse rather than misinformation. He also urged for the activation of existing Nigeria-South Africa early-warning and rapid-response mechanisms to prevent tensions from escalating into violence.