FG Summons South African Envoy Over Xenophobic Attacks On Nigerians

The Federal Government of Nigeria has summoned the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa following renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks, harassment of Nigerians and attacks on Nigerian-owned businesses in South Africa.

The diplomatic meeting is scheduled to hold on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the headquarters of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, quoting the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

According to the ministry, the meeting is aimed at formally expressing Nigeria’s deep concerns over recent developments in South Africa that could negatively affect the longstanding diplomatic relationship between both African nations.

Ebienfa explained that discussions during the meeting would focus on ongoing anti-foreigner protests in South Africa, as well as reported incidents involving the harassment of Nigerian nationals and attacks on businesses owned by Nigerians.

“The Ministry is aware of the growing discontent among Nigerians concerning the treatment of their nationals in South Africa,” the statement read.

“Nevertheless, the ministry implores the Nigerian public to remain calm and reiterates the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa.”

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The latest diplomatic move follows renewed reports of xenophobic demonstrations and anti-immigrant protests in parts of South Africa, particularly in communities where foreign nationals operate businesses.

Several videos circulating online in recent days allegedly showed protesters demanding the closure of businesses owned by foreigners, including Nigerians, while accusing immigrants of contributing to crime, unemployment and economic hardship.

The situation has sparked anxiety among Nigerians living in South Africa, with community leaders and advocacy groups reportedly urging both governments to take urgent steps to prevent escalation.

South Africa has experienced repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the years, especially in 2008, 2015 and 2019, when many African migrants — including Nigerians, Zimbabweans, Ethiopians and Somalis — were attacked, displaced or killed during violent protests.

The 2019 attacks caused major diplomatic tension between Nigeria and South Africa after several Nigerian-owned businesses were destroyed and many citizens injured.

At the time, Nigeria boycotted the World Economic Forum on Africa held in South Africa and demanded stronger protection for Nigerians living in the country.

Despite the recurring tensions, Nigeria and South Africa remain two of Africa’s largest economies and maintain strong diplomatic, political and trade ties dating back to Nigeria’s support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle.

South African authorities have also publicly condemned recent anti-foreigner violence. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia reportedly warned that xenophobia, intimidation and attacks on foreign nationals would not be tolerated.

The Nigerian government reiterated its commitment to continued diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to ensure the safety, dignity and protection of Nigerians residing in the country.

FG Summons South African Envoy Over Xenophobic Attacks On Nigerians

Rejoinder: Criticism Is Not Campaigning — The Real Gap Is the Opposition

Dear Mr. Kperogi,

The suggestion that critical voices are, by default, “campaigning for Tinubu” feels like a convenient framing that sidesteps a more obvious reality. Criticism, in itself, is not endorsement. At most, it only translates into political advantage when there is a credible, prepared opposition capable of converting dissent into momentum. That crucial ingredient, at present, appears largely absent.

President Tinubu’s current position cannot be dismissed as accidental. It reflects years of calculated political engagement and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s complex, everyday realities. One may disagree with his policies or style, but it is difficult to ignore the strategic depth that underpins his political journey.

In contrast, what passes for opposition today raises legitimate concerns. Messaging is often fragmented, organisational structures appear weak, and there is a noticeable disconnect between political rhetoric and grassroots realities. The claim of wanting to “rescue” the nation rings hollow when not backed by visible structure, coherence, and sustained engagement.

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There is also an uncomfortable truth that deserves attention: meaningful political movements demand sacrifice. They are not built on convenience or fleeting outrage. Tinubu’s trajectory included years of persistence, investment, and endurance—even through periods of intense criticism and political uncertainty. By comparison, segments of the opposition seem to expect similar outcomes without demonstrating equivalent commitment or groundwork.

On your broader analytical framing, there is a perception—fair or not—of unevenness in how responsibility is assigned. The weight of criticism does not always appear balanced with adequate historical context, especially when assessing different administrations and regions. In a country like Nigeria, where governance is shaped by both formal institutions and informal political understandings, ignoring these nuances risks reducing analysis to what can be interpreted as positioning rather than objective critique.

To be clear, this is not about shielding any administration from scrutiny. Robust criticism is essential in a democracy. However, such criticism must be accompanied by balance, context, and a recognition of the broader political landscape.

So no, critics are not “helping Tinubu.” It only appears that way because the alternative has yet to demonstrate sufficient depth, cohesion, or readiness. Until that changes, the perception will persist—regardless of how it is framed.

That, in essence, is the matter.

Thank you for your consideration.

Mudashir ‘Dipo Teniola

Filmmaker/Journalist

Lagos, Nigeria

Rejoinder: Criticism Is Not Campaigning — The Real Gap Is the Opposition

May Day 2026: NLC, TUC Threaten Nationwide Shutdown Over Insecurity

Nigeria’s organised labour has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, declaring that the country is approaching a dangerous breaking point amid worsening insecurity, deepening poverty and rising economic hardship.

At the 2026 May Day celebration held at Eagle Square in Abuja, leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) accused the government of failing to protect workers and ordinary citizens from hunger, violence and economic distress.

In a joint address delivered by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo, organised labour warned that Nigerian workers could soon be directed to stay at home nationwide if insecurity continues unchecked.

“Nigerian workers may no longer continue going to work with this level of insecurity,” the labour leaders declared.

“We may be forced to advise our members across the country to stay at home to avoid being kidnapped, abducted or killed.”

The warning formed part of a sweeping criticism of the state of the nation, covering the economy, insecurity, governance, corruption, electricity supply and workers’ welfare.

The unions said Nigerian workers remain the backbone of the economy despite facing worsening living conditions and declining purchasing power.

“Workers remain at the very heart of every industry, every economy, and every success story known to humanity. Without workers, no wheel can turn; without workers, no nation can be built,” the labour leaders said.

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However, they lamented that workers continue to create wealth while struggling to survive under rising inflation, expensive transportation, high food prices and poor wages.

According to the unions, many Nigerians now work tirelessly yet cannot afford basic necessities such as food, rent, healthcare and education.

They described the current economic situation as one where workers are “exhausted yet unbroken” despite mounting hardship across the country.

Organised labour also dismissed repeated claims by the Federal Government that Nigeria’s economy is improving under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

According to the unions, official economic statistics do not reflect the reality faced daily by ordinary Nigerians.

“We are told that GDP growth may reach about 3.6 per cent, yet poverty continues to rise,” the labour leaders said.

“We hear official inflation figures, but these numbers do not reflect the reality experienced daily by workers.”

The NLC and TUC argued that government reforms are benefiting only a small elite while millions of Nigerians continue to struggle.

“An economy that serves only the top one per cent while leaving the 99 per cent behind cannot be sustainable,” they stated.

“Perhaps, it is working for the ultra-few one per cent and not the 99 per cent majority.”

The unions maintained that the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira have intensified hardship nationwide, pushing more Nigerians into poverty.

The labour leaders claimed that nearly 65 per cent of Nigerians now live in poverty, while thousands are being pushed deeper into hardship daily due to inflation and unemployment.

According to them, worsening insecurity has displaced farming communities, worsened food shortages and increased hunger across the country.

The unions also raised concerns over deteriorating conditions in internally displaced persons camps.

“In these camps and communities, diseases such as Kwashiorkor, Craw-craw and Marasmus are re-emerging,” they said.

They described the situation as evidence of a nation under severe social and economic pressure.

The NLC and TUC announced that discussions for a new national minimum wage would begin in July 2026.

The unions said the process would commence early to avoid delays experienced during previous wage negotiations.

But beyond future talks, labour demanded urgent intervention measures to ease economic hardship.

“We demand that from July this year, every worker be paid 100 per cent of his basic salary to cushion the effects of the renewed crisis of survival,” the labour leaders stated.

“We demand a living wage, not a minimum wage.”

On insecurity, organised labour declared that Nigeria is effectively in a state of war due to widespread killings, kidnappings and terrorist attacks.

“The scale of violence, the frequency of attacks, and the mounting loss of lives place Nigeria among the most dangerous places to live on earth,” the unions said.

“It is not isolated violence. It is a war against our people.”

The labour leaders cited attacks across several states, including terrorism, banditry and communal clashes, warning that workers increasingly feel unsafe travelling to offices and workplaces.

“People are no longer safe in their homes, on the roads, or even in their workplaces. Daily life has become a gamble with fate,” they lamented.

The unions also criticised the electricity and petroleum sectors, accusing successive governments of failing to deliver meaningful reforms despite huge public spending.

“Over a decade after privatisation, Nigerians have little to show but deepening darkness,” they said of the power sector.

According to labour, millions of Nigerians continue to face unstable electricity supply despite trillions spent on interventions and rising electricity tariffs.

“What was promised as reform has become a burden,” they added.

On fuel pricing, the unions criticised the situation where an oil-producing country continues to battle recurring petrol price hikes and economic pain.

“The contradiction is stark and disheartening,” the labour leaders stated.

The labour movement also accused political leaders of being disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.

“When leaders seek better education abroad for their children while neglecting domestic schools, it raises fundamental questions about commitment,” they said.

The unions further described corruption and illicit financial flows as major threats to Nigeria’s future.

“This is not mere corruption; it is a system — one that bleeds the nation continuously,” they declared.

As part of efforts to address corruption and waste, organised labour launched a nationwide advocacy campaign tagged: “Stop the Bleeding. Every stolen naira is a stolen future.”

Despite their criticism, the NLC and TUC said they remain committed to democratic engagement but warned that patience among Nigerian workers is wearing thin as hardship and insecurity continue to worsen nationwide.

May Day 2026: NLC, TUC Threaten Nationwide Shutdown Over Insecurity