Vice President Kashim Shettima has warned that Nigeria will no longer tolerate the dehumanisation and mistreatment of its citizens in South Africa.
Shettima condemned recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and called on South African authorities to ensure that Nigerians living in the country are treated with dignity and protected from abuse.
The Vice President spoke in Luanda, Angola, on Monday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
Why Shettima is raising the issue
Shettima said Nigeria’s concerns were rooted in the repeated reports of Nigerians being subjected to humiliation and attacks in South Africa.
He recalled Nigeria’s historical role in supporting the liberation struggle in Southern Africa, saying the country therefore feels particularly concerned when Nigerians are subjected to mistreatment in the region.
“We were part of the struggle for the liberation of our brothers and sisters in Southern Africa, and we feel personally pained that our people have been picked up for humiliation,” Shettima said.
He warned that the Nigerian government and people would no longer accept situations where Nigerians are dehumanised or placed in unacceptable conditions.
Nigeria prefers dialogue
Despite the strong warning, Shettima said Nigeria’s preferred approach remains dialogue and engagement with South Africa.
“We believe in having very robust conversations with our South African brothers,” he said.
The Vice President said Nigeria does not want to unnecessarily escalate tensions between the two countries but would make its position clear when situations become unacceptable.
He also urged South African authorities to protect lives and uphold human dignity when enforcing immigration laws.
Nigeria takes the issue to the African Union
The concerns over attacks on Nigerians have also been raised at the continental level.
During the African Union summit, Nigeria formally reported the recurring attacks to the AU and requested that the matter be included on the agenda of the AU’s 40th Ordinary Session scheduled for January 2027.
The Federal Government has described the incidents as a concern for African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence.
What it means for Nigerians
Thousands of Nigerians live, work and run businesses in South Africa, making the issue more than a diplomatic disagreement between governments.
For Nigerians living in the country, concerns about xenophobia, harassment and violence can directly affect their safety, businesses, livelihoods and ability to live and work freely.
The Nigerian government’s latest position therefore puts pressure on South African authorities to ensure that immigration enforcement and other government actions do not expose Nigerians to abuse or discrimination.
What happens next?
Nigeria is expected to continue diplomatic engagement with South Africa while pushing for the African Union to address the issue.
The government has indicated that it prefers dialogue but will continue to raise concerns where Nigerians are allegedly subjected to unacceptable treatment.
For Nigerians at home and abroad, the key issue is whether diplomatic engagement will lead to stronger protection for Nigerian citizens living in South Africa and reduce the recurring reports of xenophobic attacks.
The development also places renewed attention on the responsibilities of both governments to protect citizens and promote peaceful relations between Africa’s two major economies.
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