The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has urged the South African government to urgently protect Nigerians and other African migrants amid rising reports of xenophobic attacks, intimidation, and harassment in parts of the country.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by its Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the commission expressed concern that tensions targeting black immigrants were worsening despite earlier diplomatic engagements between both countries.
“While many expected a de-escalation of tensions following earlier engagements between both governments, the situation on the ground is deteriorating,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
NiDCOM said it was receiving reports that children of Nigerian descent were now afraid to attend school, while business owners were reportedly shutting shops over fears of targeted attacks, looting, and harassment. It also said community leaders had documented fresh incidents of violence within the last 72 hours.
The commission called on the South African authorities to take immediate steps to safeguard foreign nationals, stressing that such protection was required under international law and African Union protocols.
It also rejected what it described as the profiling of Nigerians, insisting that criminal acts should be treated individually and not used to stigmatise an entire nationality.
“Crime has no nationality. Any individual, regardless of origin, who commits an offence should be investigated and made to face the full penalty of South African law,” it said.
NiDCOM warned against collective punishment and blanket stereotyping of Nigerians, describing such actions as “unacceptable and dangerous,” while listing demands including increased security presence in affected communities, prosecution of attackers, and the establishment of a joint Nigeria–South Africa community safety forum.
It also urged South African authorities to publicly condemn xenophobia and promote non-discriminatory messaging.
The commission advised Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding and avoid high-risk areas, particularly at night, while confirming ongoing coordination with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Consulate in Johannesburg, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
NiDCOM also acknowledged peaceful relations with many South Africans, saying, “ We believe in the historical ties that bind both nations and call for calm, restraint, and respect for human life.
“Nigeria will continue to work diplomatically with South Africa to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of our citizens abroad. ”
The development comes amid renewed xenophobic tensions in South Africa, linked to protests reportedly led by the anti-immigration group Operation Dudula, which has been accused of targeting African migrants, including schoolchildren, and calling for deportations.
The unrest has already triggered diplomatic concerns after reports of killings of Nigerians and warnings issued to diaspora communities over safety risks in cities, including Durban, Cape Town, and KwaZulu-Natal.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously urged foreign nationals to respect the country’s laws and traditions, while reaffirming commitment to international human rights obligations.
As tensions rise, Nigeria has continued diplomatic engagement with South African authorities, with NiDCOM insisting that urgent action is needed to prevent further escalation and protect vulnerable migrants across affected communities.
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