The Nigerian government is demanding accountability and financial restitution following a series of violent incidents targeting its citizens in South Africa. Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, confirmed that he updated President Bola Tinubu on recent high-level discussions with his South African counterpart, Roland Lamola. These talks focused on de-escalating tensions and securing protections for Nigerians living abroad.
A key outcome of the diplomatic engagement was the successful repatriation of approximately 1,490 Nigerian citizens. Enikanolaiye noted that while the government funded these efforts, private citizens also contributed to the evacuation process. He emphasized that the administration views these attacks not just as xenophobia, but as specifically Afrophobic, and is pushing for regional unity to prevent further violence.
Regarding property damage, the government has launched an initiative to document the losses suffered by returnees to facilitate formal claims for compensation. Enikanolaiye stressed that regardless of residency status, all individuals are entitled to human rights protections, a point he stated South African officials have acknowledged. While the Nigerian government remains committed to diplomatic channels, it has signaled that all options remain open if a secure environment for its citizens is not established.
