NiDCOM Warns Nigerians in South Africa Amid Rising Anti-Foreigner Protests

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain vigilant and strictly follow safety advisories following a rise in anti-foreigner protests across parts of the country.

The warning comes after a security circular issued by the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg on April 22 indicated that protests in cities including Cape Town, Durban, East London, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal had turned violent, resulting in looting, destruction of property, and injuries.

According to the advisory, more demonstrations are expected in Gauteng Province between April 27 and April 29, with protesters reportedly seeking to pressure authorities over the presence of foreign nationals.

In a statement signed by its Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM advised Nigerians to avoid protest areas, stay away from demonstrators, and closely monitor local developments.

The commission also urged Nigerians to remain law-abiding and take all necessary precautions to ensure their personal safety.

Business owners were particularly advised to consider temporarily shutting down operations during the protest period, especially around Freedom Day on April 27, as foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during such unrest.

NiDCOM reaffirmed its support for the Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, noting that the consulate remains fully operational and is working with local security agencies to safeguard Nigerian nationals.

It further disclosed that Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, is engaging with South African authorities as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the situation and protect Nigerians in the country.