Nigeria’s response to renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa has shifted attention to diplomatic measures aimed at improving the protection of citizens abroad. Amid growing concern over the safety of Nigerians, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly directed a visiting South African delegation to meet with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs instead of granting an immediate presidential audience, signalling that existing bilateral commitments remain central to further engagement.
The delegation, led by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, arrived in Abuja on Friday, July 24, with what Presidency sources described as a special message from President Cyril Ramaphosa. According to the sources, the envoys sought to meet President Tinubu shortly after arriving, but the request was not immediately accommodated and they later held discussions with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
Presidency sources said the decision came against the backdrop of continuing reports of attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. They added that Nigeria believes practical steps to protect citizens should accompany diplomatic engagements between the two countries.
The latest concern follows reports of the killing of a Nigerian, Chika Ibe, in Bellville, Cape Town. According to reports, he was allegedly taken from his residence and tortured to death by members of the South African Police Service, a development that has intensified calls for stronger guarantees for the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
Officials also pointed to previous commitments between both nations, including a Memorandum of Understanding on an Early Warning Mechanism signed in October 2025. According to Presidency sources, Nigeria wants South Africa to ratify and present the agreement as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation on preventing xenophobic violence, enhancing consular support and facilitating compensation claims for victims of earlier attacks.
The country’s position has also been reflected in recent regional engagements. At the ECOWAS Summit in Sierra Leone, Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu, condemned xenophobic attacks and said Nigeria would pursue stronger African Union measures aimed at improving the protection of African citizens across the continent.
Presidency sources further disclosed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who is attending official engagements in Addis Ababa, advised against a presidential meeting while attacks on Nigerians and their businesses remained unresolved. The development underscores Nigeria’s insistence that stronger safeguards for its citizens should remain a priority in its diplomatic relations with South Africa.
