The Nigerian government has expressed deep concern to South Africa over recurring violence against its citizens, revealing that at least 98 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa since 2022 through mob violence, hate-related attacks, and extrajudicial killings.
The issue was raised during a bilateral meeting in Abuja on Monday, 27 July 2026, where Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, received Ronald Lamola, the Special Envoy of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
Acting on directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ambassador Enikanolaiye urged the South African government to enhance protection for foreign nationals, hold perpetrators accountable, and take proactive measures to prevent future hostility.
Enikanolaiye referenced Nigeria’s historic backing during South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement, stressing that foreign nationals suspected of crimes should face legal due process rather than mob justice. He described the humanitarian toll as deeply distressing, noting the recent evacuation of 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa.
In response, Special Envoy Lamola reaffirmed Pretoria’s stance against xenophobia, racism, and mob violence, while maintaining South Africa’s right to enforce its immigration laws. Lamola expressed concern over criminal activities involving some Nigerian nationals and called for joint efforts to tackle organized crime.
Lamola also informed the Nigerian delegation that several arrests have been made regarding recent attacks on Nigerians, with prosecutions currently underway.
To address the recurring strain on diplomatic relations, both delegations agreed on five key measures:
- De-escalate inflammatory rhetoric through diplomatic channels.
- Strengthen bilateral security and migration cooperation.
- Accelerate the implementation of the long-delayed Early Warning Mechanism.
- Begin preparations for the upcoming Nigeria–South Africa Binational Commission meeting.
- Safeguard the strategic partnership and Pan-African solidarity between both countries.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye is expected to brief President Tinubu on the outcome of the high-level meeting.
