FG demands end to attacks on Nigerians in S’Africa

Nigeria has called on South Africa to implement urgent and concrete measures to halt xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting African nationals within its borders. The Nigerian government also stressed the need for improved migration governance, responsible political leadership, and stronger people-to-people relations across the continent to prevent future violence.

Speaking at a virtual roundtable, Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb Sola Enikanolaiye, stated that the situation presents a challenge that requires addressing without denial or exaggeration. He suggested that "Afrophobia" more accurately describes the nature of these attacks, noting their "particularly African, post-colonial and post-apartheid character."

Enikanolaiye expressed concern over the paradox of individuals from nations that aided South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle now being perceived as "unwanted outsiders." To document Nigeria's historical support, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commissioned a study on the country's contributions, which included an estimated financial commitment exceeding $60 billion, nationalizing British Petroleum, offering scholarships, and providing hospitality to South African leaders.

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The relationship between Nigeria and South Africa is not reducible to trade statistics or diplomatic communiqués. There is history in that relationship. There is blood, sacrifice and solidarity in that history.

"The relationship between Nigeria and South Africa is not reducible to trade statistics or diplomatic communiqués. There is history in that relationship. There is blood, sacrifice and solidarity in that history," the minister stated. He revealed that approximately 90 Nigerians have died in Afrophobic violence since June 2022, with fresh attacks and displacement occurring in 2026. This ongoing violence, he warned, damages South Africa's international standing, investor confidence, and regional integration, while diminishing the moral authority gained from its liberation history.

To resolve the issue, the minister urged South African authorities to enhance transparent and humane migration systems, ensuring immigration law enforcement remains solely a state responsibility. He cautioned against vigilantism and called for restraint from political leaders.

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The term Afrophobia more accurately captured the nature of the attacks.