Xenophobia: Many Nigerians prefer to die in South Africa than return home — Obi

Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, has voiced deep concern over the harsh conditions faced by Nigerians in South Africa, revealing a stark preference among many to endure hardship abroad rather than return to their home country. Obi, who recently returned from South Africa, shared these observations at a dinner for NDC aspirants in Abuja.

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I just came back last night from South Africa. You know what Nigerians are going through in South Africa and so many other African countries.

He stated that despite efforts to facilitate the return of distressed Nigerians, a significant number refused the offer. "They said things are even worse at home," Obi reported, highlighting the dire state of affairs within Nigeria. He recounted his interactions with Nigerian citizens who would rather face adversity in South Africa than return to what they perceive as a worse situation at home.

Obi also detailed his diplomatic efforts, including meetings with South African ministers and former President Thabo Mbeki, to foster better relations between South Africans and other African nationals. He expressed that these discussions were "fruitful."

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If you don’t know, we provided facilities for them to come back. But most of them told me they would rather die there than come back. They said things are even worse at home.

Furthermore, Obi criticized the Nigerian federal government for its perceived failure to support its citizens abroad. He questioned the government's commitment, asking, "If your country is not there for you, who will care for you? Is it an outsider?" He lamented that Nigerian government officials had not visited citizens facing difficulties in various countries.

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I took time to sit down with three ministers who are leaders of their own parties to plead with them about how things can work between South Africans and other African nationals, and we had a very fruitful discussion.

Adding to his concerns, Obi addressed Nigeria's worsening security situation, contrasting it with the nation's historical role in global peacekeeping. "But today, Nigeria cannot secure itself. This is unacceptable," he declared, expressing dismay over the current state of insecurity.

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It is not only in South Africa that Nigerians have problems, but they have problems in other countries. I have had the opportunity to speak to leaders in those countries.