Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Federal Government for what he described as a delayed and weak response to renewed xenophobic tensions in South Africa, saying Nigeria should have acted faster to protect its citizens.
In a statement issued on Sunday, May 17, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Nigeria’s reaction to the crisis fell short of expectations for a country that claims continental leadership.
He argued that other African nations acted more decisively, citing Ghana’s approval for the evacuation of more than 300 citizens affected by anti-immigrant threats.
“It is deeply troubling that Nigeria, a country that prides itself as the leader of the Black world and the giant of Africa, once again found itself reacting instead of leading in a moment of continental crisis,” he said.
Atiku added that smaller African countries had demonstrated stronger leadership at the onset of the crisis.
“When the first signs of danger emerged, smaller African nations acted with clarity, compassion and urgency. Ghana moved decisively following the approval for the evacuation of over 300 citizens. Others issued strong advisories and activated protective mechanisms for their nationals.
“But Nigeria, whose citizens have historically borne the brunt of xenophobic violence in South Africa, moved with the lethargy that has become the defining trademark of this administration.”
While acknowledging that the government had eventually responded and raised the issue of possible repatriation, he insisted the delay remained unacceptable.
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“Yes, the government has now spoken. Yes, repatriation talks have been mentioned. However, the critical question remains: why did it take external pressure and the decisive action of others for Nigeria to find its voice?
“This is not about whether the government eventually responded. It is about whether that response reflected the urgency, seriousness and leadership expected of a responsible government. By every objective standard, it did not,” he added.
He also recalled repeated incidents of violence against Nigerians living in South Africa over the years, including attacks on businesses and threats to lives.
“For years, Nigerians in South Africa have endured recurring cycles of intimidation, harassment, looting and xenophobic hostility. Businesses have been destroyed. Lives have been endangered.
“Families have lived in fear. Yet successive Nigerian responses have followed the same tired script—summon diplomats, issue cautious statements and retreat into bureaucratic inertia until the next crisis erupts,” he stated.
Atiku stressed that the protection of citizens abroad remains a core duty of government, urging stronger and faster action in future crises.
He called for a stronger travel advisory, immediate evacuation plans for willing citizens, deeper diplomatic engagement with South African authorities, and collaboration with the African Union to address recurring xenophobic violence.
“Africa cannot continue to preach unity while tolerating periodic persecution of fellow Africans. And Nigeria cannot continue to posture as a continental leader while behaving like a reluctant observer,” he said.
He further urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to respond more swiftly in future cases involving Nigerians facing danger abroad.