The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has commenced discussions with her South African counterpart over the safety and security of Nigerians, following widespread protest against foreign nationals.
This was as the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) appealed to Nigerian business owners to shut down their businesses while the protest lasts.
The commission in a statement signed by Abdulrahman Balogun, Director, Media, Publicity and Protocol Unit, advised Nigerians in South Africa to also avoid any form of confrontation with the protesters.
“The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu is engaging with the Foreign Affairs Minister in South Africa,” NiDCOM stated.
NiDCOM also urged Nigerians to adhere to the advisory issued by the consulate general, warning of escalating anti-foreigner demonstrations across the country.
“NiDCOM is advising all Nigerian citizens to avoid any confrontation with protesters, refrain from engaging with demonstration groups, and monitor local media outlets for real-time safety information.
“Nigerian nationals are urged also to remain law-abiding always.
“It was further advised that Nigerian business owners protect their businesses by closing on Freedom Day, April 27, and to consider remaining closed on April 28 and 29, as foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during unrest.”
While fully endorsing the position of the Consul-General, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche also stressed that the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg remains fully operational and is actively coordinating with South African police authorities to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals.
Following an official circular from the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg (Ref No: CGJHB/AD/209/ VOL I) dated April 22, 2026, demonstrations in East London, Cape Town, Durban and KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent, leading to looting, property damage and injuries.
According to intelligence noted in the Consulate’s circular, further protests are scheduled to happen in the Gauteng Province from April 27 to 29, 2026, with demonstrators planning to apply pressure on the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals.
