FG begins evacuation plan for Nigerians as South Africa faces renewed xenophobia tensions

The Federal Government has initiated steps to evacuate Nigerians who wish to return home from South Africa amid renewed anti-foreigner protests and rising insecurity in parts of the country.

This was disclosed by Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu following discussions with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola over escalating tensions in Durban and other areas.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said although South Africa expressed reservations about evacuation plans, Nigeria could not overlook continued attacks and alleged killings of its citizens.

“I maintained that our government cannot stand by and watch the systematic harassment and humiliation of our nationals resident in SA, as well as the extra-judicial killings of our people, and that the evacuation of our citizens who want to return home remains our government’s priority at this time,” she stated.

She called for urgent action on reported killings and urged that perpetrators be sanctioned. She added that Nigerians in Durban were advised to close shops and stay indoors during protests, which remained peaceful due to heavy security presence.

The minister also warned that anti-foreigner rhetoric posed risks to Nigerian communities and highlighted disturbing reports of bullying of Nigerian children in schools, including those of mixed nationality.

According to her, South African authorities assured Nigeria that education agencies were being engaged to address the situation.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu further suggested that the violence may be more accurately described as “Afrophobia” rather than xenophobia, noting that the hostility appeared largely directed at black Africans.

She added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had ordered Nigerian missions in South Africa to establish emergency response centres for citizens in distress.

On economic responses, experts cautioned against retaliation targeting South African companies in Nigeria.

Analysts including Nnoruga Onyedikachi said such actions would not resolve the underlying causes of violence and could harm Nigeria’s economy.

Muda Yusuf of CPPE warned that firms like MTN and MultiChoice support thousands of jobs and that retaliation would damage investor confidence and economic relations.

Olufunmilola Adebowale of Parthian Partners said shutting down such businesses would disrupt services and trigger job losses.

David Adonri urged diplomatic engagement instead of sanctions, while NIDCOM spokesman Abdulrahman Balogun maintained that sustained dialogue remains the only viable solution, saying, “We will continue to discuss it.”

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