The Federal Government has expressed growing concern over the continued harassment of Nigerians living in South Africa, warning that it may be forced to review its diplomatic and economic options if the situation does not improve.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the remarks while reacting to recent reports of xenophobic attacks and intimidation targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
According to the minister, Nigerian citizens continue to face discrimination and unfair treatment despite their contributions to South Africa’s economy and society. She noted that the situation has reached a point where Nigeria must begin considering measures to protect its citizens.
“Nobody is asking them to provide proof of identity. Nobody is asking South African staff working there whether they are South Africans or Nigerians, and nobody is taking over their shops or businesses,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu contrasted the treatment of South African businesses operating freely in Nigeria with the experiences of Nigerians in South Africa.
“We have MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic, Protea and many other South African brands spanning multiple sectors,” she said.
She stressed that South African companies continue to operate successfully in Nigeria without intimidation or discrimination, unlike the experiences reported by many Nigerians living in South Africa.
“I think that at some point, we really have to review the options available to us,” the minister stated, suggesting that Nigeria may need to reassess aspects of its relationship with South Africa if the safety of its citizens cannot be guaranteed.
The minister emphasized that while diplomacy requires restraint and careful engagement, the government has a responsibility to protect Nigerians abroad.
“When it comes to situations like this, of course, it is necessary to be temperate and exercise caution. But when your citizens are being harassed, when your citizens are people who have spent years there, and mind you, some of them are married to South Africans and have children who have known no other home but South Africa, then it becomes a serious concern,” she said.
She added that the situation has become even more troubling because entire families are now being affected.
“Under these circumstances, they are asking not just Nigerians, but also their South African spouses and their children, to leave South Africa,” she added.
The comments come amid renewed concerns over xenophobia in South Africa, where foreign nationals have periodically been targeted during outbreaks of violence and anti-immigrant protests. Nigerians have frequently been among those affected by such incidents, prompting repeated calls for stronger diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Nigeria and South Africa maintain strong economic and political ties as two of Africa’s largest economies. However, recurring attacks on foreign nationals have continued to strain bilateral relations and raised concerns about the safety of Nigerians residing in South Africa.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly urged South African authorities to ensure the protection of all residents regardless of nationality, while many observers believe both countries must strengthen cooperation to address xenophobia and promote peaceful coexistence across the continent.
