Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, has reassured that Nigerians living in the country are not facing a coordinated threat, despite recent incidents linked to xenophobic tensions.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Monday, April 27, Ajayi said authorities in both Nigeria and South Africa are working closely to maintain order and protect all residents.
He said, “Let me first make the point that right now Nigerians are not under siege in South Africa. The situation is currently under control. The governments are working on it.
“The two governments are working on it. Actually, the priority right now is to ensure the safety and well-being of every citizen, including foreigners.”
Recent protests in cities such as Durban, Cape Town, and East London have sparked concern after reports of attacks and looting targeting foreign-owned businesses.
However, the envoy described the unrest as limited and not indicative of a widespread campaign against Nigerians.
He said, “What we have seen is a kind of isolated tension, and that is why it calls for caution.
“But in terms of direct attack or direct siege on Nigerians, that is not taking place right now.
“There have been some concerns about foreigners, in terms of people targeting foreigners.
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“But the government has come out to issue a statement on that, particularly the police commissioner, and cautioned people against targeting foreigners and xenophobic practices.”
Ajayi, who spoke from Pretoria, noted that conditions in key areas remain stable.
“For now, I am particularly in Pretoria right now, and the situation is relatively calm. Also in Johannesburg, it is calm.
“So what we had before was an isolated uprising in KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, which was contained, and which informed the prompt response by the government in terms of issuing that directive to the people. We have also issued some advisories, which call for caution,” he said.
Reacting to a video circulating online showing foreigners allegedly being blocked from entering a building, Ajayi said those involved do not reflect the broader South African population.
“Those people you are seeing don’t represent the entire South African community. They are just people acting on their paymasters.
“We have issued a lot of advisories to our people in terms of remaining calm, obeying, and respecting the local laws and customs,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has continued to urge Nigerians in South Africa to stay alert, avoid flashpoints, and prioritise their safety while the situation is being monitored.