ABUJA — The Federal Government has condemned the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa following renewed attacks, harassment and intimidation targeting foreign nationals, while also beginning plans to evacuate affected citizens from the country.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, expressed Nigeria’s displeasure over the handling of the crisis by South African authorities and security agencies, insisting that many Nigerians living in the country were legitimate business owners and not illegal migrants as alleged.
Speaking to State House correspondents in Abuja, Ojukwu said Nigeria had made enormous sacrifices during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle and deserved better treatment in return.
“Nigeria is not happy because Nigeria sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence,” she said, recalling how Nigerians protested, donated resources and supported South Africans during the apartheid era.
She also accused South African authorities of selectively targeting black migrants. “They are not asking other migrants to leave; they’re only asking black migrants to leave,” the minister stated.
On whether Nigeria could retaliate against South African interests in the country, Ojukwu said such measures were being considered and had not been ruled out.
“This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government, but it’s not off the table,” she said.
The minister confirmed that the Federal Government had activated a crisis response unit through the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria and the consulate in Johannesburg to assist affected Nigerians and coordinate evacuation arrangements.
She explained that the evacuation process was delayed due to documentation and logistical procedures involving South African immigration authorities.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the evacuation of about 270 Nigerians earlier scheduled for Monday had been postponed until tomorrow because of unforeseen logistical challenges.
Spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said more than 1,000 Nigerians had already been screened and cleared for possible repatriation as the government intensified efforts to bring willing citizens home safely.
According to the ministry, the Federal Government will fully fund the evacuation exercise instead of relying on donations or private intervention.
The development followed recent anti-migrant attacks in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals reportedly faced mob violence, intimidation and looting of businesses.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, while condemning attacks on foreigners, also vowed to strengthen measures against illegal migration in the country.
“We must end illegal migration, we must deal with the challenges,” Ramaphosa said in a televised national address, while urging citizens to avoid violence and resolve issues peacefully.
