Xenophobic: Nigeria Considers Retaliatory Action Against South Africa

Nigeria may review aspects of its diplomatic and economic relationship with South Africa following a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have targeted Nigerians and other African migrants.

The warning was issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.

The minister accused South African authorities of failing to respond adequately to growing incidents of violence, intimidation and destruction of property affecting Nigerians in South Africa

According to her, many Nigerians who are legally resident in South Africa have become victims of harassment, while businesses owned by Nigerians have been looted and set ablaze.

“Our citizens are being harassed. Our citizens’ properties are being looted. Criminal actions are being perpetrated, and the police refuse to do anything. The South African government has not come out strongly and firmly enough to condemn these incidents,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu dismissed allegations that Nigerians affected by the attacks were undocumented migrants, insisting that many of them operate legitimate businesses and reside legally in the country.

She noted that some Nigerian-owned shops had been looted and burned, while children of Nigerian families were reportedly unable to attend school due to intimidation and fear.

The minister also expressed disappointment over what she described as South Africa’s failure to acknowledge Nigeria’s historical support during the anti-apartheid struggle.

She recalled that Nigeria committed significant financial and diplomatic resources to South Africa’s liberation efforts and provided educational opportunities for South African students during the apartheid era.

“Nigeria sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence. Nigeria committed funds, committed resources. In schools, seats were reserved for South African students. Nigerians are not happy about how they have been treated,” she stated.

She further argued that the latest attacks appeared to be specifically directed at Black African migrants.

“They are not asking other migrants to leave. They are only asking Black migrants to leave,” she said.

The minister also confirmed that the Federal Government is considering reciprocal measures against South African interests operating in Nigeria. According to her, discussions on possible retaliatory actions are already underway at the highest levels of government.

“That is a situation that we are considering. This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government. But it is not off the table,” she said.

Her comments have intensified concerns about the future of Nigeria-South Africa relations, especially as tensions continue to rise over the treatment of Nigerian nationals in the Southern African country.

Meanwhile, the latest unrest has triggered a surge in requests for voluntary repatriation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that 1,094 Nigerians have so far registered to return home following the attacks, a significant increase from the initial figure of about 130 persons.

Nigerian authorities, in collaboration with South African officials, have begun screening affected citizens to determine eligibility for evacuation.

The Federal Government has also announced plans to provide free air transportation for qualified returnees after initially indicating that evacuees might be required to fund their own travel arrangements.

Amid growing criticism, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks and pledged decisive action against groups involved in xenophobic violence.

Ramaphosa stated that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of government institutions and not vigilante groups, while promising reforms aimed at strengthening border security and immigration management.

The latest wave of violence has also affected migrants from other African countries. Mozambican authorities recently confirmed that several of their citizens were killed during anti-immigrant attacks, while hundreds have returned home out of fear.

Analysts say rising unemployment, economic hardship and anti-immigrant sentiment have contributed to recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa, which have periodically strained diplomatic relations between Pretoria and several African nations, including Nigeria.

As pressure mounts on South African authorities to protect foreign nationals, Nigeria appears increasingly prepared to explore stronger diplomatic options if attacks on its citizens continue.