Rising Xenophobic Tensions: FG Urges Nigerians in South Africa to Stay Safe

Amid escalating anti-foreigner protests in South Africa, the Federal Government has called on Nigerians residing in the country to exercise caution and comply with all safety advisories.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) issued the alert after receiving a circular from the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg on April 22, 2026. The report indicated that protests across East London, Cape Town, Durban, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal have become violent, with incidents of looting, destruction of property, and injuries recorded.

The advisory further revealed that intelligence points to additional protests scheduled in Gauteng Province from April 27 to April 29, as demonstrators push the South African government over concerns regarding foreign nationals.

Responding to the situation, NiDCOM, through its Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, advised Nigerians to avoid contact with protest groups, refrain from confrontations, and closely follow local media updates on the evolving security situation. The commission stressed the importance of obeying the law at all times.

Nigerian entrepreneurs were also urged to adopt precautionary measures, including closing businesses on Freedom Day, April 27, with possible extensions through April 28 and 29, given that foreign-owned businesses are frequently targeted during such unrest.

NiDCOM reiterated its backing for the Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, noting that the consulate remains functional and is collaborating with South African security agencies to protect Nigerian citizens.

Additionally, the commission confirmed that Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Onoh, is actively engaging with South African authorities as part of diplomatic efforts to manage the crisis.

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