The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has advised Nigerians living in South Africa to close their businesses and avoid confrontations as xenophobic attacks intensify in parts of the country.
The warning follows rising anti-foreigner demonstrations across South Africa, where protesters have reportedly targeted foreign-owned shops and demanded the removal of non-nationals.
In a video circulating online, a Nigerian clothing trader was seen being confronted by South African men who ordered him to pack up his goods and leave the country. The incident has further heightened concerns among Nigerians and other foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, many of whom depend on small-scale trading for their livelihood.
In a statement obtained on Friday, NiDCOM said the advisory was issued following a circular from the Nigerian consulate-general in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The commission noted that protests in cities such as East London, Cape Town, Durban, and KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent, resulting in looting, destruction of property, and injuries.
It added that intelligence from the consulate indicates 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.
NiDCOM urged Nigerians to avoid engaging protesters, stay away from crowded areas, and monitor local media for security updates. It also advised business owners to close shops on April 27, marked as Freedom Day, and consider remaining closed on April 28 and 29, noting that foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during periods of unrest.
The commission expressed support for the position of Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, Consul-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, and said the Nigerian mission is working with South African police authorities to ensure the safety of citizens.
It further disclosed that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Onoh, is engaging with her South African counterpart over the situation.