By Fatima Saka
The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on the government of South Africa to take urgent measures to protect Nigerian citizens and other black immigrants amid rising xenophobic attacks.
In a press statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Dabiri-Erewa expressed deep concern over what she described as a worsening wave of persecution targeting black immigrants in parts of South Africa, despite earlier diplomatic engagements between both countries.
She noted that recent reports reaching the Commission indicate growing fear among Nigerians, including schoolchildren of Nigerian descent who are now afraid to attend classes, while business owners have reportedly shut down operations over fears of looting, harassment, and targeted violence.
According to her, community leaders have documented fresh cases of intimidation and attacks within the last 72 hours, suggesting a deterioration of the situation on the ground.
The NIDCOM boss urged the South African authorities to uphold international obligations and African Union protocols on human rights and free movement by ensuring the protection of all foreign nationals within its borders.
“Crime has no nationality,” she stated, rejecting what she described as the profiling and blanket generalisation of Nigerians. She stressed that individuals who commit crimes should be held accountable under the law, rather than subjecting an entire nationality to collective punishment.
Dabiri-Erewa outlined key demands by the Commission, including increased police presence in affected communities, prompt arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of xenophobic violence, and the establishment of a joint Nigeria-South Africa community safety forum involving law enforcement, government officials, and diaspora leaders.
She also called for clear and consistent public messaging from South African authorities condemning xenophobia and discouraging stereotyping.
The Commission advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain law-abiding and avoid high-risk areas, particularly at night, while assuring that it is in close contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions, including the High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate in Johannesburg, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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While commending the majority of South Africans who continue to coexist peacefully with foreign nationals, Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the need to preserve the longstanding ties between both nations through dialogue, restraint, and mutual respect.
She reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to continued diplomatic engagement with South Africa to safeguard the rights, dignity, and safety of its citizens abroad.
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