Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs has revealed that close to 90 Nigerians have lost their lives in xenophobic attacks in South Africa since June 2022.
Speaking at a virtual roundtable on Tuesday, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye expressed deep concern over the recurring violence, noting that fresh incidents and displacements were recorded in 2026. He warned that the attacks damage South Africa’s global image, discourage investors, and weaken regional unity.
The Minister described the targeted violence against Africans in South Africa as Afrophobia, stressing that it carries a distinct post-apartheid character. He pointed out the irony of citizens from countries that once supported South Africa’s liberation now facing hostility and being labelled as outsiders.
Nigeria plans to document its historic support for the anti-apartheid struggle, including an estimated financial contribution exceeding $60 billion, alongside other forms of assistance extended to South African leaders. Enikanolaiye called on the South African government to take stronger action against vigilantism, improve migration systems, and ensure that only state authorities handle immigration enforcement.
He urged political leaders to avoid inflammatory language that fuels tensions and recommended greater use of existing early-warning mechanisms between both countries. The Minister also stressed the need for stronger people-to-people connections through businesses, universities, religious bodies, and civil society.
Nigeria and Ghana intend to raise the issue at the next African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government. While acknowledging South Africa’s willingness to discuss underlying factors, the Minister insisted that immediate focus must remain on stopping the hate-driven attacks.
