NiDCOM Issues Safety Tips To Nigerians In South Africa As Xenophobic Attacks Spread

NiDCOM Issues Safety Tips To Nigerians In South Africa As Xenophobic Attacks Sprea

 

By Olumuyiwa Olumuyiwa

 

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has given Nigerians in South Africa some invaluable safety  tips on how to survive the raging storm of xenophobic attacks spreading across South Africa.

 

NiDCOM made this call on the heels of safety advisories issued by the Nigerian Consulate General, following growing anti-foreigner protests rocking South Africa.

 

The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg had earlier issued  a warning to Nigerians stay away from areas considered to be hotspots of the protests in their host country.

 

The warning was contained in an official circular  (Ref No: CGJHB/AD/209/VOL I), dated April 22, 2026.

 

According to the circular, previous demonstrations  in East London, Cape Town, Durban and parts of KwaZulu-Natal had turned violent, resulting in looting, property damage and injuries.

 

However, in a bid to keep Nigerians abreast of the unfortunate development in the country  the Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, not that intelligence from the consulate indicates further protests are planned in Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29, 2026.

 

The statement added that the  reason for the protest is to pressure  the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals.

 

 

 

 

 

“In response, NiDCOM advises all Nigerian citizens to avoid confrontation with protesters, refrain from engaging with demonstration groups, and monitor local media for real-time safety updates.

 

“Nigerian nationals are also urged to remain law-abiding at all times,” the statement said.

 

 

As part of safety measures for Nigerians, NiDCOm advised business owners to prioritize their safety over pecuniary gain, consequently urging temporary  shut down of their businesses to minimise risk and avoid losses.

 

“It is further advised that Nigerian business owners should close their shops on Freedom Day, April 27, and consider remaining closed on April 28 and 29, as foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during unrest,” the statement added.

 

NiDCOM reaffirmed its support for the Consul-General, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, noting that the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg remains fully operational and is working closely with South African police authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerian nationals.

 

 

Also as part of measures to ensure safety of Nigerian nationals in South Africa, NiDCOM disclosed that  the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is engaging with her South African counterpart over the situation.

 

 

Xenophobic attacks have been spreading across South Africa as citizens of the country are demanding government to flush out foreigners residing in their country.

 

With the government not dancing to the tunes of their enraged citizens some of them have resorted to torching foreigner’s businesses and properties among other violent actions

 

Several viral videos circulating on social media show groups of South Africans confronting, and in some cases assaulting, African immigrants while demanding their exit.

 

In one video, a group confronts a Ghanaian national, questioning his decision to relocate to South Africa.

 

“This thing of you moving from one country to another is no longer working. We don’t want these African people anymore. We want you to fix your countries,” she said.