Nigerian community leaders in South Africa have called on the Federal Government to take proactive steps to safeguard Nigerians living in the country ahead of a June 30 deadline announced by anti immigration activists.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), Mr. Ekos Akpokabayen, made the appeal in a statement issued in Johannesburg, warning that developments surrounding the planned action could heighten tensions and expose foreign nationals to possible attacks.
He urged the Nigerian government to engage constructively with South African authorities before the situation escalates, noting that preventive action remains the most effective approach.
“It is always better to prevent such situations before they escalate because the consequences may be severe” he said
According to him, criminal elements could exploit the atmosphere created by the campaign to target businesses and properties owned by foreign nationals under the guise of anti-immigration protests.
The NUSA leader called on the Nigerian Mission in South Africa to maintain close surveillance of developments and sustain regular communication with Nigerian community leaders across the country.
He said continious engagement between diplomatic officials and community representatives would help keep Nigerians informed about unfolding events and safety measures being implemented.
Akpokabayen also appealed to Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm, vigilant and law abiding while avoiding actions that could inflame tensions within their communities.
He encouraged members of the Nigerian community to support one another and remain united during the period, telling the importance of cooperation and responsible conduct.
Expressing confidence in diplomatic engagement, Akpokabayen said timely intervention by both the Nigerian and South African governments could help avert any breakdown of law and order.
He added that such collaborative efforts would be crucial in protecting the lives and property of all residents regardless of nationality, race, or immigration status.
South Africa has experienced several waves of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, with foreign nationals often accused of taking jobs, engaging in criminal activities and placing pressure on public services. Migrants from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Somalia and other African countries have frequently been affected by such attacks.
Major outbreaks of xenophobic violence were recorded in 2008, 2015 and 2019, resulting in deaths, injuries and the destruction of businesses belonging to foreign nationals. The 2019 attacks particularly affected Nigerians and strained diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
Following those incidents, the Nigerian government coordinated the voluntary evacuation of hundreds of Nigerians through the Nigerian High Commission and relevant agencies. Both countries subsequently established diplomatic mechanisms and cooperation initiatives focused on migration, security, and consular matters to address concerns affecting their citizens.
However, recent anti-immigration campaigns by some groups in South Africa have renewed fears among migrant communities. Although the June 30 deadline is not an official government directive, Akpokabayen warned that it could heighten tensions and create conditions that expose foreign nationals to intimidation, violence or attacks if not properly managed.
