The Federal Government has demanded stronger protection for Nigerians living in South Africa after disclosing that at least 98 citizens have been killed since 2022 in mob attacks, hate-related violence and alleged extra-judicial killings, intensifying diplomatic efforts to end recurring xenophobic attacks.
The demand was conveyed on Monday by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, when he received South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, in Abuja.
Acting on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, Enikanolaiye expressed Nigeria’s deep concern over the persistent attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa, urging the South African government to strengthen protection for foreign nationals, ensure perpetrators are prosecuted and implement effective measures to prevent further violence.
He reminded Pretoria of Nigeria’s historic support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, stressing that allegations of criminal conduct against any individual should be addressed through due process rather than mob justice.
The minister also highlighted the humanitarian impact of the attacks, recalling the evacuation of 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa, which he described as a deeply troubling consequence of the recurring violence.
Responding, Lamola reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to combating xenophobia, racism and all forms of violence, while maintaining that the country has the sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws.
He acknowledged concerns over attacks on Nigerians and disclosed that arrests had been made in connection with recent incidents, with criminal prosecutions already underway.
The South African envoy, however, raised concerns over the alleged involvement of some Nigerian nationals in organised crime, calling for closer collaboration between the security agencies of both countries to tackle transnational criminal networks.
The meeting ended with both nations agreeing to deepen diplomatic engagement aimed at easing tensions and strengthening bilateral relations.
Among the resolutions reached were commitments to de-escalate inflammatory rhetoric, enhance cooperation on migration and security issues, accelerate the implementation of the long-delayed Nigeria–South Africa Early Warning Mechanism, and begin preparations for the next session of the Nigeria–South Africa Binational Commission.
Both countries also reaffirmed their commitment to preserving their longstanding strategic partnership and advancing Pan-African solidarity between Africa’s two largest economies.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye is expected to brief President Tinubu on the outcome of the discussions.
The renewed diplomatic engagement comes amid decades of recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have repeatedly strained relations between Abuja and Pretoria. Nigerian authorities have consistently demanded greater protection for their citizens, while both countries continue to balance security concerns with their extensive economic and diplomatic ties. Officials expressed optimism that the Early Warning Mechanism, once fully implemented, will provide a structured framework for preventing future crises before they escalate.
