Nigeria Urges Action Against Afrophobic Attacks in SA

The Nigerian Government has urged for immediate and effective measures to address xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans in South Africa. Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, made this call during a virtual roundtable hosted by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).

Enikanolaiye emphasized the need for stronger migration governance and responsible leadership, describing the violence as a challenge that must be confronted. He noted that approximately 90 Nigerians have been killed in Afrophobic violence since June 2022, with ongoing attacks reported in 2026.

The Minister highlighted Nigeria's significant financial commitment to South Africa's liberation struggle, estimated at over $60 billion. He called for South African authorities to enhance migration systems and warned against vigilantism and inflammatory rhetoric.

Enikanolaiye also stressed the importance of public discourse based on facts and announced Nigeria's collaboration with Ghana to present the issue at the next African Union Assembly.