‘Close shops, stay safe’ — NiDCOM tells Nigerians in South Africa as xenophobic attacks spread

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

The advisory comes amid growing anti-foreigner protests across South Africa, where demonstrators have targeted foreign-owned shops and called for the expulsion of non-nationals.

In one of the videos circulating online, a Nigerian trader who sells clothes was being confronted by some South African men, who ordered him to pack up his goods and leave the country.

The incident has heightened fears among Nigerians and other foreign nationals including Ghananians, many of whom rely on small businesses for survival.

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.

The commission 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.

The commission said it supports the position of Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, consul-general of Nigeria in Johannesburg, adding that the mission remains operational and is working with South African police authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

NiDCOM added that Bianca Ojukwu, minister of state for foreign affairs, is engaging with her South African counterpart over the situation.