The Federal Government on Monday expressed deep displeasure over the South African government’s handling of the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians living in the country, warning that Nigeria could review bilateral relations and diplomatic privileges if the situation continued unchecked.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The minister said the Federal Government was increasingly disturbed by reports of harassment, looting, intimidation and destruction of businesses belonging to Nigerians in South Africa, adding that the silence and inadequate response of South African authorities had become unacceptable.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated that Nigeria had continued to receive troubling reports from affected citizens, many of whom claimed they were being targeted solely because of their nationality.
She rejected claims by some South African authorities that the victims were undocumented migrants or persons residing illegally in the country, insisting that many of those under attack possessed valid Nigerian passports and legal travel documents.
According to her, the attacks had gone beyond isolated incidents and now reflected a dangerous pattern of hostility against Nigerians and other African nationals.
The minister lamented that Nigerian-owned businesses were being looted and set ablaze while security agencies allegedly failed to intervene decisively to protect lives and property.
She also expressed concern over reports that Nigerian children in schools were facing intimidation and discrimination as tensions escalated in affected communities.
“Our citizens are being harassed. Our citizens’ properties are being looted. Criminal actions are being perpetrated, and the police refuse to do anything,” she said.
“The South African government has not come out strongly and firmly enough to condemn these incidents.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that the Federal Government would no longer ignore the repeated targeting of Nigerians abroad, especially in a country with which Nigeria shares historical and diplomatic ties dating back to the anti-apartheid struggle.
She noted that Nigeria had played a prominent role in supporting South Africa during the years of apartheid and therefore expected the South African authorities to show greater commitment toward protecting Nigerians residing within its borders.
The minister disclosed that the Federal Government was currently reviewing several diplomatic options in response to the situation, including measures that could affect bilateral engagements and privileges between both countries.
Although she did not provide specific details of the possible retaliatory actions under consideration, she made it clear that Nigeria was prepared to take firm diplomatic steps if attacks against its citizens persisted.
According to her, “Retaliatory diplomatic gestures are actively being considered. Nothing is off the table at this point because the safety and dignity of Nigerians anywhere in the world remain a priority for this administration.”
She said President Tinubu had been fully briefed on the developments and was monitoring the situation closely through relevant ministries and diplomatic channels.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa had also intensified engagements with local authorities and community leaders in a bid to ensure the protection of Nigerians and restore calm.
The minister urged the South African government to publicly condemn the attacks, prosecute perpetrators and reassure foreign nationals that their rights and safety would be protected under the law.
She warned that failure to act decisively could worsen diplomatic relations between both nations and fuel anger among Nigerians at home and abroad.
The renewed xenophobic attacks have once again reignited concerns over the safety of African migrants living in South Africa, where periodic outbreaks of violence against foreigners have occurred over the years.
Many Nigerians in South Africa are involved in businesses, professional services and other economic activities, but they have frequently complained of discrimination, harassment and violent attacks.
Civil society groups and diaspora organisations have also called on the Federal Government to take stronger measures to protect Nigerians overseas and ensure accountability whenever such incidents occur.
Political observers believe the latest development could place renewed strain on relations between Nigeria and South Africa, two of Africa’s largest economies and influential regional powers.
Analysts also warn that escalating diplomatic tensions between both countries could affect trade, investment, migration cooperation and regional integration efforts if urgent steps are not taken to address the grievances raised by the Nigerian government.
Despite the growing tension, Odumegwu-Ojukwu reiterated Nigeria’s preference for dialogue and peaceful engagement, while insisting that the protection of Nigerian citizens would remain non-negotiable.
She appealed to Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, avoid reprisals and continue cooperating with Nigerian diplomatic missions while efforts were ongoing to address the crisis.
The minister further assured affected Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue to explore all lawful and diplomatic avenues to guarantee their safety, dignity and rights in South Africa.
