President Bola Tinubu has reportedly declined to grant an audience to a special envoy sent by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, as diplomatic tensions grow over renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa.
According to various sources, the South African delegation, led by the country’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, arrived in Abuja on Friday, July 24, carrying what sources described as an important message from President Ramaphosa.
The reported development came less than a day after the death of a Nigerian, Chika Ibe, who was allegedly taken from his home at the Parksig Villas Complex in Bellville, Cape Town, and tortured to death by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Nigeria has consistently condemned xenophobic violence in South Africa and has called for stronger continental action to protect African citizens living outside their home countries.
During the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in Lungi, Sierra Leone, Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu, denounced the attacks and pledged that Nigeria would push for tougher measures against xenophobia at the African Union.
Shettima also disclosed that the Federal Government had previously evacuated 1,490 Nigerians affected by xenophobic violence and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with regional and continental institutions to address the recurring crisis.
Diplomatic sources told ARISE News that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, advised against an immediate meeting between President Tinubu and the South African delegation.
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According to the sources, the minister argued that the continued attacks on Nigerians, their businesses and properties made it inappropriate for the President to receive the envoy at this time.
The sources further claimed that she insisted the South African delegation could not secure a presidential audience without a prior appointment and concrete commitments from Pretoria.
They also stated that Nigeria expects South Africa to present a signed copy of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Early Warning Mechanism (EWM), signed by both countries in Abuja on October 22, 2025, before further diplomatic engagement proceeds.
According to the sources, South Africa has yet to ratify the agreement, citing reasons Nigerian officials consider insufficient.
The Early Warning Mechanism was designed to improve cooperation between both countries on monitoring security threats, protecting citizens, handling consular issues and preventing reprisals and xenophobic attacks through rapid communication channels.
Officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reportedly believe the framework could have strengthened efforts to secure compensation for Nigerians whose businesses and properties were destroyed during previous xenophobic attacks.
South African authorities have not compensated affected victims, according to the report.
As of the time this report was filed, presidency sources quoted by ARISE News said President Tinubu had not agreed to meet the South African delegation.
The report also stated that the outcome of a telephone conversation reportedly initiated by President Ramaphosa over the weekend remained unclear.
A source quoted by the broadcaster suggested South Africa’s diplomatic outreach may have been influenced by concerns over the potential impact of strained relations on South African investments and businesses operating in Nigeria, as well as Nigeria’s growing campaign for firmer continental action against xenophobia and Afrophobic attacks.