Nigeria Urges African Governments to Act Against Xenophobia and Discrimination

The Nigerian government has called for stronger action against xenophobia across Africa, warning that attacks on fellow Africans threaten the continent’s unity, peaceful coexistence and integration efforts.

Nigeria expressed its position during the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of a new political declaration on racism and racial discrimination, with Ambassador Bola Asaju speaking on behalf of the country.

Asaju urged African governments to confront growing hostility towards migrants and foreign nationals within their respective territories.

The Nigerian delegation maintained that unemployment, economic difficulties and other social pressures must not be used to justify violence, persecution or discrimination against people because of their nationality.

It further argued that the ideals of Pan-Africanism and continental integration would be undermined if African countries continued to tolerate attacks against citizens of other African nations.

Asaju highlighted concerns over reported incidents of violence and hostility against Africans living outside their countries of origin.

The delegation warned that such incidents weaken the longstanding bonds of solidarity that united African countries in their struggles against colonialism and racial oppression.

Nigeria said the sacrifices made during the continent’s liberation movements should encourage cooperation and unity among African populations, rather than fuel divisions.

It emphasised that governments were responsible for safeguarding everyone within their borders, irrespective of nationality or immigration background.

The country also called for those responsible for xenophobic attacks, intimidation and discriminatory conduct to be held accountable.

To address the problem, Nigeria urged African governments to strengthen national laws, deepen regional cooperation and expand public awareness campaigns against xenophobia.

The delegation also advocated measures to tackle socioeconomic conditions that could be exploited to stir resentment against migrants and foreign nationals.

It cautioned against blaming entire groups of people for economic difficulties, particularly when foreigners are portrayed as responsible for challenges facing host communities.

Nigeria reiterated its commitment to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted in South Africa in 2001 as an international framework for combating racism.

According to Asaju, Nigeria supported the latest political declaration and voted in favour of its adoption at the General Assembly.

The declaration received 95 votes in favour, five against and 37 abstentions.

Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, the new declaration renews international commitments to eliminating racial discrimination.

It recognises the enduring effects of slavery, the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism and apartheid, while urging countries to strengthen their responses to modern forms of discrimination.

Other issues addressed include racial profiling, hate speech, unequal access to justice and discriminatory practices associated with emerging digital technologies.

Nigeria stressed that international pledges to combat racism must lead to meaningful improvements in people’s lives instead of remaining political statements without practical results.

The government called for stronger political commitment to confronting racism and xenophobia, including discriminatory practices within individual countries.

It maintained that upholding human dignity and promoting solidarity among Africans were crucial to the continent’s wider ambitions for integration and development.

South Africa backed the declaration, while the European Union raised concerns about some of its provisions, particularly those relating to neocolonialism and reparatory justice.

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