Nigeria has demanded stronger protection for its citizens living in South Africa after revealing that at least 98 Nigerians have been killed since 2022 in what it described as mob attacks, hate-related violence and extra-judicial killings, escalating diplomatic efforts to address recurring xenophobic attacks.
The demand was made on Monday when the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, received South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, in Abuja.
Speaking on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Enikanolaiye expressed Nigeria’s deep concern over the persistent attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa, urging Pretoria to strengthen protection for foreign nationals, ensure those responsible are brought to justice and take concrete measures to prevent further violence.
The minister reminded South Africa of Nigeria’s historic support during the anti-apartheid struggle, stressing that criminal allegations against any individual should be handled through lawful prosecution rather than mob justice.
He also highlighted the humanitarian consequences of the crisis, recalling the recent evacuation of 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa, which he described as deeply distressing.
Responding, Lamola reaffirmed South Africa’s opposition to xenophobia, racism and violence, while maintaining that his country retains the sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws.
He acknowledged concerns over attacks on Nigerians and disclosed that arrests had been made in connection with recent incidents, with prosecutions already underway.
The South African envoy, however, also raised concerns over the alleged involvement of some Nigerian nationals in organised crime, calling for closer cooperation between both countries’ security agencies to combat transnational criminal activities.
The high-level meeting ended with both countries agreeing to pursue diplomatic measures aimed at easing tensions and strengthening bilateral relations.
The two sides resolved to de-escalate inflammatory rhetoric, enhance cooperation on security and migration issues, fast-track the implementation of the long-delayed Nigeria–South Africa Early Warning Mechanism, and prepare for the next session of the Nigeria–South Africa Binational Commission.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the longstanding strategic partnership and Pan-African solidarity between Africa’s two largest economies.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye is expected to brief President Tinubu on the outcome of the discussions.
The latest diplomatic engagement comes against the backdrop of repeated xenophobic attacks in South Africa over the past two decades, which have periodically strained relations between Abuja and Pretoria. Nigeria has consistently protested attacks targeting its citizens, while both countries have sought to balance security concerns with their broader economic and diplomatic partnership. The renewed commitment to the Early Warning Mechanism is expected to provide a structured framework for preventing future crises before they escalate.
