NLC Urges Protection for Migrants Amid South Africa Xenophobia

On May 7, 2026, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), under the leadership of President Joe Ajaero, demanded increased protection for migrants in South Africa. Ajaero warned that South Africa cannot claim to defend the working class while allowing violence against African migrants.

He called upon the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) to spearhead mass educational campaigns across South African communities and workplaces to combat xenophobia and protect migrant workers. Ajaero condemned recent attacks on African migrants, attributing them to economic hardship and failed government policies.

He urged COSATU to mobilize workers against xenophobic violence and criticized security agencies for their inaction. Ajaero emphasized that xenophobia threatens the unity of the working class across Africa and proposed an emergency meeting of African trade union centers to develop mechanisms for protecting migrant workers.

He warned that unchecked xenophobia could spread beyond South Africa, affecting the entire African workforce.