Xenophobic attacks: 'We can't stand and watch' -Foreign Affairs Minister

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Foreign Affairs Minister, said the Nigerian government "cannot stand by and watch the systematic harassment and humiliation of its nationals residing in South Africa." She stated this during a phone conversation with Ronald Lamola, the South Africa Foreign Affairs Minister.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that the Nigerian government has prioritized the evacuation of citizens who want to return home from South Africa. President Bola Tinubu has directed that the Nigerian Missions in South Africa set up, with immediate effect, a Crisis Notification Unit for imperiled citizens. Ronald Lamola expressed concern and misgivings concerning the plans by the government of Nigeria to evacuate its citizens desirous of leaving the Republic of South Africa due to the recent xenophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments openly expressed during continuing anti-migrant protests in South Africa, the latest of which took place in Durban, South Africa, yesterday 6th May 2026.

The Nigerian minister noted that Wednesday's protests in Durban did not record acts of violence as there was heavy security presence, but Nigerians were advised to close their shops and businesses and stay indoors by the Nigerian Mission.