Nigeria says 130 citizens seek repatriation after latest anti-immigration protests in South Africa

Nigeria to Repatriate Citizens Amid South African Anti-Immigration Tensions

Nigerian officials announced plans to repatriate 130 citizens currently living in South Africa following a fresh wave of anti-immigration protests that have heightened tensions between the two African economic powerhouses.

Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized that the repatriation effort is voluntary, with more Nigerians expected to register for assistance in coming days. The decision comes as Nigeria takes diplomatic steps to address what it views as a concerning pattern of xenophobia directed at its citizens.

On Monday, Odumegwu-Ojukwu summoned South Africa’s acting high commissioner to express the Nigerian government’s “profound concern” over the situation. While no Nigerian casualties were reported in last week’s protests, the meeting highlighted ongoing anxieties about the safety of Nigeria’s diaspora community in South Africa.

The anti-immigration demonstrations in South Africa have targeted foreign nationals who are often accused of taking jobs in a country grappling with an unemployment rate above 32% – one of the highest in the world. Economic frustrations have periodically boiled over into violence against immigrants, particularly those from other African nations.

South African officials have publicly condemned the xenophobic violence and promised stricter measures against those participating in such acts. In a parallel diplomatic effort, South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola engaged in a phone conversation with his Nigerian counterpart to discuss what he termed “challenges posed by irregular migration.” Both ministers reportedly committed to addressing root causes and developing sustainable solutions.

The current tensions are set against a backdrop of historical friction. South Africa has experienced several major outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, with particularly severe incidents in 2008, 2015, and 2019 that resulted in dozens of deaths and widespread property destruction targeting foreign-owned businesses.

Nigerian officials raised additional concerns during Monday’s diplomatic meeting regarding two Nigerian nationals who died in separate incidents involving South African security forces last month. Nigeria’s foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed they have requested thorough investigations into these deaths and are seeking cooperation from South African authorities to provide autopsy reports to the families of the deceased.

Relations between Nigeria and South Africa – Africa’s two largest economies – have often been complicated by migration issues and economic competition. Both nations wield significant influence across the continent in diplomatic, economic, and security matters, making their bilateral relationship particularly consequential for regional stability.

The Nigerian diaspora in South Africa is substantial, with many working in professional sectors including medicine, academics, technology, and small business ownership. However, they have sometimes been targeted in xenophobic attacks, creating diplomatic tensions between Pretoria and Abuja.

Migration experts note that the current situation reflects broader challenges across the continent, where economic disparities drive population movements while receiving countries struggle with domestic pressures and resource limitations.

Human rights organizations have called on both governments to ensure the protection of vulnerable migrants while addressing legitimate concerns through policy rather than allowing tensions to escalate into violence or forced displacement.

As the repatriation efforts proceed, analysts suggest both countries will need to engage in deeper dialogue about migration management, economic cooperation, and citizen protection to prevent further deterioration in their important bilateral relationship.