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Nigeria’s Federal Government has begun making plans to bring home citizens who wish to leave South Africa, following a fresh wave of anti-foreigner protests and escalating hostility in the country.
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Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu announced this after a phone call with her South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola, regarding the unrest, particularly in Durban. While Lamola reportedly had reservations about Nigeria’s evacuation plans, Odumegwu-Ojukwu stood firm, saying the government could not remain passive in the face of ongoing harassment and alleged extrajudicial killings of Nigerians on South African soil.
She noted that although Wednesday’s protest in Durban remained peaceful due to a strong security presence, the Nigerian Mission had advised citizens in the area to close their businesses and stay indoors as a precaution.
The minister also raised concerns about inflammatory language and hostile conduct by anti-foreigner groups, warning that persistent attacks could have consequences for South African businesses operating in Nigeria. She further highlighted troubling reports of Nigerian children and those of mixed Nigerian-South African parentage being bullied in schools and told to leave the country — incidents she described as emotionally and psychologically damaging. Lamola reportedly acknowledged the responsibility of South African authorities to protect these children and pledged to engage relevant education bodies.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also questioned whether the attacks should be labelled xenophobia at all, arguing that since the hostility appears directed specifically at black Africans, the term “Afrophobia” may be more fitting.
President Tinubu, she added, has directed Nigerian missions in South Africa to set up crisis notification centres for citizens facing threats.
Separately, economic analysts have cautioned against blanket sanctions on South African companies in Nigeria, describing such a move as counterproductive — even as lawmakers and others continue to push for stronger economic measures beyond diplomacy.
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