Nigeria Condemns Mistreatment of Its Citizens in South Africa

The Federal Government has voiced its concern regarding the ill‑treatment of Nigerians residing in South Africa, stating that citizens have been unfairly targeted, harassed, and subjected to unjust treatment.

During a press briefing at the State House in Abuja, Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Bianca Odumegwu‑Ojukwu explained that Nigeria remains dissatisfied, emphasizing the country’s historical contributions to South Africa’s struggle for independence, including financial support and resources.

She noted, “Our generation participated in demonstrations, carried placards, and even faced arrests while advocating for South Africa. As a frontline state, Nigeria expects fairness, yet the current mistreatment of Nigerians is unacceptable.”

The minister added that the federal government is evaluating potential retaliatory measures in response to the xenophobic attacks.

She clarified that any final decision will require review at the highest levels of government, including the National Assembly.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate establishment of a crisis response unit within the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and at the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria as reports of attacks and harassment intensify.

Efforts are being expanded to reach affected Nigerians across various provinces and to facilitate access to consular services.

The minister emphasized that the figures of attacks are rising, and numerous processes must be undertaken by South African Home Affairs before repatriation can proceed.

Repatriation is on schedule, with President Tinubu reiterating that the aircraft must arrive in South Africa to bring back Nigerians in distress.

The minister rejected claims that many Nigerians seeking repatriation are illegal migrants, describing such assertions as false and misleading.

She affirmed that those affected are law‑abiding residents and business owners who have become targets of harassment, intimidation, and criminal attacks.

Numerous properties have been looted, businesses vandalized or set ablaze, and families have been forced to keep children out of school for safety reasons.

She stated, “This claim is categorically untrue. Our citizens are being harassed, their properties looted, and criminal actions are perpetrated against them, while South African authorities have not responded decisively.”

She added that legitimate business owners have had their shops looted or burned, and children are unable to attend school due to intimidation, further disproving the illegal‑migrant narrative.

Ojukwu also announced plans to rehabilitate evacuated Nigerians upon their return to Nigeria.

The Federal Government, in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies, is ensuring that returnees receive appropriate support for reintegration.

“This evacuation is being carried out with NEMA and various government parastatals to guarantee that returnees can be rehabilitated once they arrive,” the minister said.

“People who are carrying out legitimate business have had their shops looted, set on fire, and children cannot attend school because they are intimidated. Therefore, labeling Nigerians in South Africa as illegal migrants is absolutely false.”

Ojukwu reiterated that arrangements are being made to rehabilitate those who have been evacuated.

The Federal Government is collaborating with NEMA and other agencies to provide the necessary assistance for returnees to reintegrate into society.

“This evacuation is being undertaken with NEMA. We are working with various government agencies and parastatals to ensure that once they come in they can be rehabilitated,” she said.

Source link