Xenophobia: Tinubu directs Nigerian missions in S’Africa to establish crisis unit

The Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu, has taken decisive action by directing its missions in South Africa to establish a crisis notification unit for citizens facing escalating threats. This directive comes amid worsening tensions and a concerning rise in anti-foreigner sentiment, which Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has critically labeled as potentially 'Afriphobia.' The move underscores Nigeria's commitment to protecting its nationals abroad, especially in light of reported harassment, humiliation, and extrajudicial killings.

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The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, has directed that the Nigerian missions in South Africa set up, with immediate effect, a crisis notifications unit for imperilled citizens who have also been advised first and foremost to contact SA security authorities whenever dangerous situations arise.

Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu's firm stance during a phone call with her South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola, highlighted Nigeria's non-negotiable priority: the safety and potential evacuation of its citizens. She stressed that Nigeria 'cannot stand by and watch' its nationals suffer, pushing for South African authorities to treat cases of extrajudicial killings with greater seriousness and ensure consequences for perpetrators. This assertive diplomacy reflects a deep-seated concern for the welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa and a demand for accountability from the host nation's justice system.

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I maintained that our government cannot stand by and watch the systematic harassment and humiliation of our nationals resident in SA as well as the extra-judicial killings of our people, and that the evacuation of our citizens who want to return home remains our government’s priority at this time.

Furthermore, the Nigerian government has issued a stern warning about the potential blowback of such anti-foreigner rhetoric and actions. Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu cautioned that the volatile climate created by South African political parties could jeopardize the safety of South African interests within Nigeria. The disturbing report of Nigerian children and those of mixed heritage being bullied in schools, taunted to 'return to their country,' adds a particularly reprehensible dimension to the crisis, highlighting the pervasive nature of the discrimination. This situation demands not only diplomatic intervention but also a broader conversation about xenophobia and its devastating impact on individuals and international relations.

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I also highlighted the need for their police and justice systems to take the cases on ground of extra-judicial killings of Nigerians in South Africa more seriously and that there should be clear and immediate consequences for such acts.