NiDCOM Calls For Urgent Protection Of Nigerians In South Africa
Fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians abroad have emerged as the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission called on South African authorities to urgently protect foreign nationals following reports of renewed xenophobic violence.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the commission’s Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, warned that the situation appears to be worsening despite earlier diplomatic efforts between Nigeria and South Africa aimed at easing tensions.
“While many expected a de-escalation of tensions following earlier engagements between both governments, the situation on the ground is deteriorating,” she said.
According to NiDCOM, recent reports suggest that Nigerians and other black immigrants are increasingly exposed to intimidation, violence and economic disruption. The commission noted that children of Nigerian descent are now reluctant to attend school, while some business owners have shut down operations over fears of looting and targeted attacks.
Community leaders have also documented fresh incidents of harassment and violence within the past 72 hours, signalling what the commission described as a troubling resurgence of xenophobic sentiment.
NiDCOM urged South African authorities to take “urgent and visible” steps to safeguard all foreign nationals, referencing obligations under international law and African Union frameworks on human rights and free movement. The commission stressed that criminal behaviour should not be used to stigmatise entire nationalities.
“Crime has no nationality. Any individual, regardless of origin, who commits an offence should be investigated and made to face the full penalty of South African law,” Dabiri-Erewa stated, cautioning against collective punishment and generalisation.
The commission outlined a set of immediate measures it considers necessary, including increased police presence in affected areas, prompt arrest and prosecution of perpetrators, and the creation of a joint Nigeria–South Africa community safety forum involving law enforcement agencies, municipal authorities and diaspora representatives.
It also called for clear and consistent public messaging from South African officials condemning xenophobia and discouraging stereotyping.
While advising Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding and avoid high-risk areas, especially at night, NiDCOM disclosed that it is maintaining coordination with Nigeria’s diplomatic missions, including the High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate in Johannesburg, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Despite the concerns, the commission acknowledged that many South Africans continue to coexist peacefully with other African nationals, reaffirming longstanding bilateral ties between both countries.
“Nigeria will continue to work diplomatically with South Africa to ensure the safety, dignity and rights of our citizens abroad,” the statement added.