Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has strongly criticized South African authorities for misrepresenting the status of Nigerians living in the country. She dismissed allegations that many Nigerians in South Africa are illegal migrants, describing such claims as false.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, Ojukwu stated that Nigerians affected by recent unrest are legitimate residents and business owners whose livelihoods have been destroyed amid escalating diplomatic tensions over renewed anti-migrant violence.
“You are liars. Our citizens are in peril. They are in distress, so they cannot be said to be illegal migrants,” she said.
The minister highlighted that Nigerian-owned shops have been looted and set on fire, and some Nigerian children have been prevented from attending school. “People who are doing legitimate business have their shops looted, they have their shops set on fire,” she added.
These comments come amid fresh anti-foreigner protests in parts of Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban, where some local groups blame migrants for unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services. Nigeria has frequently been among the countries most affected by periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Ojukwu expressed disappointment at what she described as the mistreatment of Nigerians, despite Nigeria's historical support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle. She cited Nigeria's financial contributions to the liberation movement, scholarships for South African students, and international advocacy against apartheid-era rule.
The minister also noted that more than 120 South African companies operate in Nigeria, describing the country as one of their largest markets on the continent. “Why are they harassing Nigerians in South Africa?” she asked.
The latest unrest has prompted diplomatic action from Abuja. Nigeria has summoned South Africa's High Commissioner and is arranging voluntary repatriation for affected citizens. President Bola Tinubu has approved evacuation flights, with officials screening prospective returnees. More than 1,000 Nigerians have reportedly registered for evacuation.
Ojukwu said retaliatory measures against South African interests are not being ruled out, though any action would require approval from the Federal Government and the National Assembly.
South African authorities have largely framed the protests as being driven by concerns over undocumented immigration rather than xenophobia, while President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned violence against foreign nationals. The renewed tensions threaten to strain relations between Africa's two largest economies despite their strong trade and investment ties.
Meanwhile, Nigerian police have warned against reprisal attacks on South African businesses operating in the country as diplomatic efforts continue.
