Nigeria has called on South Africa to intensify efforts to protect foreign nationals following renewed concerns over attacks targeting African migrants, saying repeated incidents of violence continue to affect bilateral relations and raise concerns about the safety of migrant communities.
The issue was raised during high level discussions held in Abuja between Nigerian government officials and a South African delegation led by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who visited Nigeria as a special envoy of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, said the meeting had been convened on the directive of President Bola Tinubu to address what Nigerian authorities described as recurring attacks against Nigerians and other African migrants residing in South Africa.
According to Nigerian officials, anti migrant violence has resurfaced in several parts of South Africa in recent months, with foreign owned businesses reportedly targeted during incidents of unrest. The concerns follow demonstrations in a number of South African cities in which protesters called for the removal of undocumented migrants, reflecting broader domestic debates around migration, unemployment and public safety.
Nigerian authorities said that at least 1,490 Nigerian nationals have been voluntarily evacuated from South Africa since the latest wave of violence began. Officials also stated that they have documented numerous incidents involving Nigerian citizens over several years, including fatalities attributed to xenophobic attacks.
Enikanolaiye said Nigeria had observed what it considers to be a recurring pattern of violence directed at African migrants since the mid 1990s. He added that concerns extend beyond criminality, arguing that legally resident foreign nationals have also been affected.
The Nigerian government further expressed concern over reports that law enforcement responses have, in some instances, been inadequate. Enikanolaiye said this had prompted questions regarding the effectiveness of state protection for vulnerable communities. He stressed that Nigeria was seeking greater cooperation to ensure the safety of all African nationals living within South Africa.
South Africa has consistently maintained that it rejects xenophobia, racism and all forms of discrimination. Speaking during the Abuja meeting, Lamola reaffirmed the South African government’s position that acts of violence directed at foreign nationals are unacceptable and inconsistent with the country’s constitutional values.
South African authorities have previously stated that criminal acts committed against foreign nationals are investigated through the country’s justice system and that individuals responsible for violence are subject to prosecution. The government has also distinguished between legitimate concerns regarding immigration management and unlawful attacks targeting migrants.
Nigeria reiterated that it does not support criminal conduct by any of its citizens living abroad. However, Enikanolaiye emphasised that allegations of criminal activity should be addressed through lawful investigation and judicial processes rather than through mob violence or collective punishment.
The discussions underscore the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement between Africa’s two largest economies as both governments seek to strengthen cooperation on migration, security and regional integration. The issue also highlights the wider continental challenge of balancing migration governance, economic pressures and the protection of human rights within increasingly interconnected African societies.
Migration within Africa remains a significant driver of trade, entrepreneurship and labour mobility under the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Observers note that ensuring the safety and dignity of migrants while addressing legitimate concerns around border management and crime remains essential to advancing regional integration and preserving solidarity among African nations.
