LAGOS – Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has confirmed that 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary repatriation following a surge in anti-foreigner protests across South Africa.
The diplomatic move coincides with the Ministry summoning South Africa’s High Commissioner to Nigeria on Monday. The government is demanding justice for two Nigerians allegedly killed by South African security forces.
Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel died April 25 from injuries sustained during a military beating. Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew was found dead April 20 following an encounter with the Tshwane Metro Police.
“This is utterly condemnable and unacceptable. The Nigeria High Commission is closely following investigations into these unfortunate incidents and Nigeria demands justice be done in these cases.” Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu said in a post on X (Twitter).
The federal government expressed grave concern over images of violence and hate speech. They noted that these xenophobic patterns frequently intensify during South African political and election cycles.
“Nigerian lives and businesses in SA must not continue to be put at risk, and we remain committed to working with South Africa to explore ways to put an end to this xenophobic pattern.” The minister said.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered close monitoring of the situation as new demonstrations are planned for May 4–8. Host authorities have been urged to provide effective security control.
Nigeria is currently invoking a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on early warning systems. This agreement aims to protect citizens and businesses from extra-judicial killings and property destruction.
Evacuation arrangements are being finalized in collaboration with Nigerian associations in South Africa. The number of applicants for repatriation is expected to rise as tensions remain high.
The current unrest mirrors the devastating 2021 July riots, where foreign-owned “spaza” shops and retail hubs in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal were systematically looted and burned during political instability.
During that period, vigilante groups like “Operation Dudula” also emerged, forcibly closing immigrant businesses in Soweto under the guise of nationalism. This displacement left thousands of foreign entrepreneurs without livelihoods.
