Nigeria has called on South Africa to take firmer steps to protect Nigerian nationals and other African migrants, investigate attacks against them and ensure that criminal allegations are resolved through lawful procedures.
The concerns were raised during talks in Abuja between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who visited as a special envoy of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Enikanolaiye said records available to the Nigerian authorities indicate that 98 Nigerians had died in mob- and hate-related incidents in South Africa since 2022. He urged the South African government to identify those responsible, pursue credible investigations and ensure that offenders are prosecuted.
The Nigerian minister stressed that Nigeria does not defend criminal conduct by any of its citizens. He maintained, however, that anyone suspected of an offence is entitled to equal protection of the law and must be dealt with through the South African justice system, rather than through violence or collective punishment.
He also linked the issue to the constitutional duties of the South African authorities and to broader international human-rights obligations. Nigeria’s position is that the safety of migrants and the enforcement of criminal law should operate together, without discrimination or retaliation against entire communities.
Lamola said South Africa remains opposed to xenophobia, racism and discrimination. He reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the rule of law and indicated that the concerns presented by Nigeria would receive attention.
The engagement follows renewed diplomatic concern over attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa. It also places accountability, due process and the protection of migrants at the centre of relations between Africa’s two largest economies.
For Nigeria, the immediate test will be whether the discussions lead to transparent investigations, lawful prosecutions where evidence supports charges, and practical measures capable of preventing further attacks.
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