Nigeria mulls action over alleged xenophobic attacks in South Africa — Minister
The Nigerian government has expressed strong concern over what it describes as the mistreatment of its citizens in South Africa, alleging that many Nigerians have been unfairly targeted, harassed, and subjected to xenophobic attacks.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said while briefing State House correspondents in Abuja that Nigeria is weighing possible diplomatic and retaliatory measures over the situation.
“Nigeria is not happy because Nigeria has sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence,” she said, adding that the issue remains under high-level consideration.
She noted that any final decision would require approval from top government authorities, including the National Assembly, stressing that “it’s not off the table.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained that the repatriation of affected Nigerians has not been delayed, saying that administrative processes are expected to be completed, with evacuation arrangements still ongoing.
She said President Bola Tinubu has directed the establishment of a crisis response unit within Nigeria’s missions in Johannesburg and Pretoria to address rising reports of attacks and harassment.
“So, once this situation started getting worse, the President directed that a crisis response unit be immediately set up,” she said, adding that consular teams are working to assist Nigerians across various provinces.
She further stated that documentation for evacuation has largely been completed and that efforts are ongoing to ensure affected citizens are safely processed and transported home.
Responding to claims that some Nigerians are illegal migrants, she rejected the assertion, saying: “That is absolutely untrue. Our citizens are being harassed, their properties are being looted, criminal actions are being perpetuated on our citizens.”
