NiDCOM boss Abike Dabiri Erewa
Nigeria diaspora agency has urged the South African government to take urgent steps to protect Nigerians and other black immigrants amid renewed reports of xenophobic violence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission said the situation in parts of South Africa was worsening, with incidents of intimidation, looting and targeted attacks recorded in recent days.
The chairman of the commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the rising tensions were instilling fear within affected communities.
“While many expected a de-escalation of tensions following earlier engagements between both governments, the situation on the ground is deteriorating,” she said.
According to the commission, pupils of Nigerian descent are now afraid to attend school, while business owners have shut down operations over fears of harassment and violence. Community leaders have also reported fresh incidents of attacks within the last 72 hours.
NIDCOM called on South African authorities to meet their obligations under international law and African Union protocols by ensuring the protection of all foreign nationals within their borders.
The agency rejected what it described as the profiling and generalisation of Nigerians, stressing that criminal acts should be addressed individually.
“Crime has no nationality. Any individual, regardless of origin, who commits an offence should be investigated and made to face the full penalty of South African law,” the statement said, warning that collective punishment and stereotyping were “dangerous and unacceptable”.
The commission outlined key measures, including increased police presence in affected communities, prompt arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks, and clear public messaging condemning xenophobia.
It also proposed the establishment of a joint Nigeria–South Africa community safety forum involving law enforcement agencies, local authorities and diaspora leaders.
The latest appeal comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where past attacks targeting foreign nationals including Nigerians have strained diplomatic relations between both countries.
Recent reports of isolated incidents and growing anti-immigrant sentiment have revived fears of a broader escalation, despite ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at maintaining stability.
NIDCOM said it is in contact with Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to monitor developments.
It urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding and avoid high-risk areas, while calling for calm and restraint.
“Nigeria will continue to work diplomatically with South Africa to ensure the safety, dignity and rights of our citizens abroad,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
