The Federal Government has warned that it may be forced to consider measures against South African businesses operating in Nigeria if ongoing xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa continue unabated.
The warning was issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who expressed deep concern over the growing wave of hostility, intimidation, and violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa. The minister stated that while Nigeria has consistently pursued diplomatic engagement and peaceful dialogue, the government may have to review its options should the situation fail to improve.
In a statement released by her spokesperson, Magnus Eze, the minister said Nigeria has exercised considerable restraint despite repeated incidents affecting its citizens and businesses in South Africa. She stressed that any response by Nigeria would be guided by international law and constitutional procedures rather than emotion or retaliation.
According to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad remains a priority for the government, especially as reports continue to emerge of Nigerians facing harassment, forced displacement, destruction of property, and threats to their livelihoods.
The minister noted that many Nigerians residing in South Africa have lived there for years, established businesses, contributed to the economy, and built families. Some are married to South African citizens and have children who know no other home. She described calls by anti-migrant groups for such families to leave the country as both disturbing and unacceptable.
She emphasized that Nigeria has maintained an open and welcoming environment for South African businesses and nationals. More than 120 South African companies currently operate in Nigeria across sectors including telecommunications, banking, hospitality, retail, and entertainment.
Among the major South African firms with significant investments in Nigeria are , , and . The minister observed that these companies continue to operate freely without discrimination, harassment, or restrictions from Nigerian authorities.
She argued that the contrast between the treatment of South African investments in Nigeria and the experiences of Nigerians in South Africa raises important questions about fairness, reciprocity, and the protection of African migrants within the continent.
Reports indicate that vigilante groups in parts of South Africa have intensified campaigns against migrants, allegedly looting businesses, attacking homes, and intimidating foreign nationals. Some incidents have reportedly resulted in injuries and deaths, while critics accuse law enforcement agencies of failing to adequately prevent the violence or prosecute perpetrators.
The minister also lamented the reputational damage the attacks are causing South Africa. She said the actions of anti-migrant groups undermine the Pan-African ideals championed by and threaten the image of South Africa as a leader in African unity, tolerance, and human rights.
According to her, South Africa’s international standing is being eroded by recurring episodes of xenophobic violence, which have drawn criticism from governments, civil society organisations, and international observers across the continent.
The situation has become serious enough that several African countries, including , , and , have reportedly begun evacuating some of their citizens from affected areas.
Adding to Nigeria’s concerns, Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that South African authorities have declined to implement a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Nigeria in October 2025 on an Early Warning Mechanism designed to prevent and manage conflicts involving citizens of both countries.
The agreement was intended to provide a framework for rapid intervention whenever tensions arose that could threaten the lives and property of Nigerians and South Africans. However, South African officials reportedly argued that the agreement required additional formalities and that some of the signatories lacked the authority to make the pact legally binding.
The minister described the development as disappointing, noting that such mechanisms are precisely what are needed to prevent crises from escalating into full-blown diplomatic disputes.
Observers say the growing tensions could test one of Africa’s most important bilateral relationships. Nigeria and South Africa are the continent’s two largest economies and have historically played leading roles in African diplomacy, trade, peacekeeping, and regional integration.
While diplomatic channels remain open, analysts warn that continued attacks on migrants could strain economic relations and trigger calls for stronger measures from affected countries. For now, Nigeria says it remains committed to dialogue but insists that the safety, dignity, and rights of its citizens abroad must be protected at all times.
