Nigeria is taking decisive diplomatic steps to protect its citizens residing in South Africa, following a surge in concerns over attacks targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals. The National Assembly of Nigeria has established a special ad-hoc committee, which is scheduled to visit South Africa later this month to address these pressing security issues.
The delegation's primary objective is to engage directly with South African authorities to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians living within the country. Furthermore, the committee aims to review the status of previous bilateral agreements between the two nations to ensure that commitments to protect foreign residents are being upheld.
This diplomatic move comes amidst rising tensions fueled by recurring anti-immigrant violence in South Africa, which has periodically targeted African migrants and foreign-owned businesses. The instability has prompted the Nigerian government to take preemptive measures; on April 4, 2026, Nigeria announced plans for the voluntary repatriation of its citizens. Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that at least 130 Nigerians have already registered to return home, warning that this number could climb as security concerns and livelihood challenges deepen.
The friction is not isolated to Nigeria. Ghana has also recently expressed concerns to South African authorities following an incident involving one of its nationals, sparking a wider debate across the continent regarding the treatment of migrants.
However, the South African government has pushed back against the narrative of systemic xenophobia. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya recently stated that such accusations unfairly damage the country's global image, comparing the claims to dismissed theories of "white genocide." Speaking in Cape Town, Magwenya urged the international community to avoid "lazy labels" when analyzing the complexities of migration.
Looking toward a sustainable solution, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mozambican President Daniel Chapo have reportedly agreed that migration challenges are systemic issues. They emphasized that these pressures require a coordinated, continental response rather than isolated national measures, stressing the need for collective African solutions to address the economic and social drivers of migration.
Reference(s):
Nigeria to send delegation to South Africa over xenophobia concerns
cgtn.com
