In a sharp escalation of diplomatic tensions, Nigeria has signaled it may impose retaliatory restrictions on South Africans within its borders, following what it describes as the inadequate protection of its citizens amid a fresh wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu voiced the Federal Government’s deep disappointment with South African authorities and security agencies, which she accused of failing to shield Nigerians from harassment, intimidation, looting, and physical attacks.
Speaking to State House correspondents on Tuesday, Ojukwu emphasized that many of the affected Nigerians are legitimate business operators, flatly rejecting claims by some South African officials that the victims are largely undocumented migrants.
“Nigeria is not happy because Nigeria has sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence,” Ojukwu said.
She recalled the country’s substantial financial and material contributions to the anti-apartheid movement, the reservation of university seats for South African students, and the passionate street protests by Nigerians, including her own generation that sometimes led to arrests.
The minister noted with particular concern that the current attacks appear selectively aimed at black African migrants. “They are not asking other migrants to leave; they’re only asking black migrants to leave,” she said.
When asked whether Nigeria might restrict privileges currently enjoyed by South African nationals and businesses in the country, Ojukwu did not rule out punitive steps. “Well, that is a situation that we are considering,” she stated. “This is up to our legislature. This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government, but it’s not off the table.”
The remarks come as Nigeria ramps up emergency efforts to evacuate citizens who feel imperiled. A crisis response unit has been activated at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate in Johannesburg to coordinate assistance across provinces, including transportation for those needing to reach consular offices.
The government on Tuesday postponed the evacuation of 270 Nigerians, originally planned for Monday evening, to Wednesday, June 11, citing unforeseen logistical challenges. Over 1,000 Nigerians have already been screened and cleared by both Nigerian and South African authorities for repatriation, with documentation formalities largely completed.
Unlike the 2019 xenophobic crisis, when private philanthropist Allen Onyema provided free flights, the Nigerian government is this time fully funding the operation and coordinating with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other domestic agencies to ensure smooth rehabilitation of returnees upon arrival in Lagos.
Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa assured that further details on departure and arrival times would be released once final clearances are obtained.
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