Xenophobia: ‘Close Shops, Stay Safe’ – FG Tells Nigerians In South Africa

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has asked Nigerians in South Africa to shut their businesses and stay safe as xenophobic attacks escalate in parts of the country.

There is currently a growing anti-foreigner protest across South Africa, where demonstrators have targeted foreign-owned shops while calling for the expulsion of non-nationals.

A statement on Friday, signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, spokesperson for NiDCOM, said the advisory followed a circular from the Nigerian consulate-general in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

According to the commission, protests in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent, leading to looting, destruction of property, and injuries.

NiDCOM said intelligence from the consulate indicates that fresh protests are planned in Gauteng province between April 27 and 29, with demonstrators seeking to pressure the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals.

It advised Nigerians to refrain from engaging protest groups, avoid crowded areas, and monitor local media for real-time updates on the security situation.

NiDCOM also urged Nigerian business owners to close their shops on April 27, marked as Freedom Day, and consider remaining closed on April 28 and 29, noting that foreign-owned businesses are often targets during unrest.

It added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is engaging with the South African government over the situation.