The Federal Government has expressed dissatisfaction over the treatment of Nigerians living in South Africa, warning that retaliatory measures may be considered if attacks and harassment against its citizens continue, even as plans to evacuate willing Nigerians back home are being finalised.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this on Monday while speaking with journalists in Abuja, saying Nigeria’s concerns stem from the alleged harassment, attacks and destruction of properties belonging to Nigerians residing in South Africa.
According to the minister, the Federal Government is reviewing available options in response to the situation, adding that retaliation has not been ruled out.
“Well, that is a situation that we are considering. This is up to our legislature. This is up to the highest level of government, but it’s not off the table,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that Nigeria’s position is influenced by its historic support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, stressing that many Nigerians are unhappy with the treatment being meted out to fellow citizens in the country.
“Nigeria is not happy with South Africa. Nigeria is not happy because Nigeria has sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence. Nigeria committed funds and resources to support South Africa,” she said.
She also dismissed claims that the affected Nigerians were largely undocumented migrants, insisting that many of them are legitimate residents and business owners.
According to her, several Nigerians have suffered attacks, while businesses and properties belonging to them have been looted or destroyed.
The minister further disclosed that arrangements for the evacuation of Nigerians willing to return home are ongoing, following directives from President Bola Tinubu.
She said the President had directed that affected citizens be given the opportunity to return to Nigeria safely, while a crisis response unit has been established within Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in South Africa to coordinate assistance.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that the evacuation exercise is being carried out in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant government agencies to ensure adequate support for returnees.
The development follows the Federal Government’s decision to extend the screening exercise for Nigerians seeking evacuation from South Africa to June 10, 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier revealed that more than 500 Nigerians had been screened and cleared, while over 1,000 citizens indicated interest in returning home.
Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to lawful migration management, stating that xenophobia, violence and intimidation have no place in the country.
In a national address on Sunday, Ramaphosa condemned actions such as unlawful demands for identification documents, obstruction of access to public services, and attacks against foreign nationals, describing them as unacceptable.
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