Xenophobia: FG Urges South Africa To Take Concrete Action Against Attacks On Nigerians
28th July 2026 | News
Nigeria Demands Action as Xenophobic Attacks Against Citizens Persist in South Africa
The Nigerian government has called on South Africa to take decisive action to end the recurring xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals, warning that the violence threatens the long-standing relationship between both countries.
Speaking during a meeting with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, expressed deep concern over the continued attacks, describing them as a recurring pattern that has persisted for decades.
According to the minister, at least 98 Nigerians have been killed in mob and hate-related attacks since 2022, despite many of the victims possessing valid immigration documents. He stressed that while Nigeria does not support criminal activities, anyone accused of committing crimes should be arrested, prosecuted, and tried according to the law rather than subjected to mob violence.
Enikanolaiye also criticised instances where security agencies allegedly failed to intervene during attacks, saying such inaction raises concerns about the protection of both citizens and foreign nationals.
He revealed that President Bola Tinubu directed the engagement with South African authorities to seek practical solutions to the crisis and urged the government to implement concrete measures to restore confidence and protect lives.
The minister recalled Nigeria’s historic support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle and emphasised the need for both nations to preserve their strategic partnership through mutual respect and adherence to human rights.
Since the recent wave of anti-immigrant unrest, about 1,500 Nigerians have been evacuated from South Africa. Enikanolaiye described the repatriation as heartbreaking, noting that many returnees, including women and children, came home after losing their homes, businesses, and personal belongings.
In response, South African officials condemned xenophobic violence but maintained that the government has a responsibility to address illegal immigration and criminal activities within the country through lawful means.
The renewed diplomatic engagement comes as anti-immigrant protests continue in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals have increasingly become targets amid economic hardship, rising unemployment, and public frustration over crime and social services.