Anti-foreigner sentiment: Nigeria's diaspora commission calls on South Africa to safeguard Nigerians and other African migrants

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has urged the South African government to take immediate action to protect Nigerians and other black immigrants, as reports of renewed xenophobic attacks emerge in parts of the country, according to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of the commission.

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In a statement released on Wednesday, Dabiri-Erewa expressed deep concern over the worsening persecution of Nigerians in South Africa, noting that expectations of a de-escalation following earlier diplomatic engagements have not materialised, with the situation on the ground deteriorating instead.

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Many pupils of Nigerian descent are now afraid to attend school, while business owners have resorted to shutting down operations due to fears of targeted attacks, looting, and harassment, according to reports received by the commission.

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Community leaders have documented fresh incidents of violence and intimidation within the past 72 hours, prompting NiDCOM to appeal to South African authorities to take urgent and visible steps to protect all foreign nationals, in line with international law and African Union protocols.

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The commission rejected the profiling and generalisation of Nigerians, stressing that criminal acts should be treated on an individual basis, with Dabiri-Erewa stating that "crime has no nationality" and that any individual who commits an offence should be investigated and made to face the full penalty of South African law.

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NiDCOM outlined key demands, including increased police presence in affected communities, swift arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of xenophobic violence, and the establishment of a joint Nigeria–South Africa community safety forum involving law enforcement, city officials, and diaspora leaders.

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The commission also called for clear public messaging from South African authorities condemning xenophobia and discouraging stereotyping, while urging Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding and avoid high-risk areas, particularly at night.

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NiDCOM is in close contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Consulate in Johannesburg, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and commended the majority of South Africans who continue to coexist peacefully with other Africans, reaffirming the longstanding ties between Nigeria and South Africa.

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The statement added that "Nigeria will continue to work diplomatically with South Africa to ensure the safety, dignity and rights of our citizens abroad," according to Dabiri-Erewa.