Nigeria may be weighing retaliatory actions against South Africa following renewed hostility targeting Nigerians and other Black African migrants in the country, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has said.
The minister expressed Nigeria’s strong displeasure over what she described as the unfair treatment of its citizens, stressing that the country’s historic support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle makes the current situation particularly painful.
“Nigeria is not happy because Nigeria has sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence.
“Nigeria sacrificed quite a lot, committed funds, committed resources to aid South Africa,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said while speaking with journalists.
She recalled Nigeria’s solidarity efforts at the time, including educational support and public demonstrations against apartheid.
“In schools, seats were reserved for South African students. My own generation, we carried placards. We demonstrated in front of South African assets,” she said.
“Sometimes, we even got arrested for doing this. And Nigeria is a serious frontline state, and Nigerians are not happy about how they have treated us.
“They (South Africans) are not asking other migrants to leave. They’re only asking black migrants to leave.
When asked whether Nigeria was considering retaliatory steps, the minister confirmed that the option remained on the table but had not yet been finalised.
READ ALSO: Evacuation Of Nigerians In South Africa Postponed To June 10
“Well, that is a situation that we are considering. This is up to our legislature. This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government, but it’s not off the table.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also condemned reported attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, including alleged failure by law enforcement authorities to respond effectively.
“So, our citizens are imperiled; they are in distress. So, they cannot be said to be illegal migrants.
“People who are doing legitimate business have their shops looted, they have their shops set on fire,” she added.
Her comments come amid rising tensions in South Africa, where recent protests against undocumented migrants have intensified in cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg.
Demonstrators have accused foreign nationals of contributing to unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services.
Nigerian authorities have repeatedly condemned the situation, urging South African leaders to protect foreign nationals and prevent xenophobic violence.
The Federal Government has also engaged Pretoria through diplomatic channels while closely monitoring developments.
Meanwhile, arrangements are ongoing for voluntary repatriation of Nigerians willing to return home, with more than 1,000 citizens expected to benefit following a screening exercise coordinated by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria.