AWC FOREIGN AFFAIRS DESK
FG Demands Stronger Protection, Justice for Victims as Both Countries Move to Deepen Security Cooperation
Nigeria and South Africa have renewed discussions aimed at strengthening the safety and protection of Nigerians living in South Africa following recurring concerns over attacks, discrimination, and security threats against foreign nationals.
The development followed a high-level diplomatic engagement between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola.
According to the Federal Government, the meeting focused on recent concerns surrounding attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, the need for stronger protection of foreign nationals, justice for victims, and measures to prevent future incidents.
Nigeria used the engagement to reiterate the importance of ensuring that Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa are protected under the laws of the country and are not subjected to violence, xenophobic attacks, or unlawful treatment.
Both countries agreed to strengthen security and migration cooperation through improved information sharing, implementation of an Early Warning Mechanism, and better coordination ahead of the next meeting of the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission.
The renewed engagement comes amid longstanding concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, where previous incidents of xenophobic attacks, business disruptions, and violent assaults have strained relations between the two African economic powers.
Diplomatic observers say the latest talks represent an effort by both governments to move beyond crisis response and establish a more permanent framework for protecting citizens, managing migration issues, and strengthening bilateral relations.
Nigeria and South Africa remain key strategic partners on the continent, with extensive economic, political, and people-to-people connections. The two countries have continued to emphasise the importance of cooperation, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence between their citizens.
The Federal Government has maintained that while Nigerians abroad contribute significantly to host economies, their rights and safety must remain a priority in Nigeria’s foreign policy engagements.
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