NIDCOM urges South Africa to protect Nigerians as xenophobic attacks worsen

Africa

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has urged the South African government to take immediate steps to protect Nigerian citizens and other black immigrants amid rising xenophobic attacks in parts of the country.

In a press statement issued on April 29, 2026, and signed by its Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the commission expressed deep concern over what it described as worsening persecution and intimidation of foreign nationals.

“While many expected a de-escalation of tensions following earlier engagements between both governments, the situation on the ground is deteriorating,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

According to the commission, reports indicate that pupils of Nigerian descent are increasingly afraid to attend school, while business owners are reluctant to open their shops due to fears of targeted attacks, looting and harassment. Community leaders have also documented fresh incidents of violence and intimidation within the last 72 hours.

NIDCOM called on the Government of the Republic of South Africa to take urgent and visible measures to safeguard all foreign nationals, in line with international law and African Union protocols on free movement and human rights.

The commission rejected what it described as the profiling and generalisation of Nigerians, stressing that criminality should not be linked to nationality.

“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. However, collective punishment and blanket labelling of an entire nationality are unacceptable and dangerous,” the statement said.

NIDCOM outlined key demands, including increased police presence in flashpoint communities, prompt arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of xenophobic violence, and the establishment of a joint Nigeria–South Africa community safety forum involving law enforcement, government officials and diaspora leaders.

It also called for clear public messaging from South African authorities condemning xenophobia and discouraging stereotyping.

The commission advised Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding and avoid high-risk areas, particularly at night.

NIDCOM said it is in contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Consulate in Johannesburg, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to monitor the situation.

While condemning the attacks, the commission commended the majority of South Africans who continue to coexist peacefully with other Africans, urging calm, restraint and respect for human life.

It added that Nigeria will continue diplomatic engagement with South Africa to ensure the safety, dignity and rights of its citizens abroad.