Nigeria summons acting High Commissioner of South Africa over protests against foreigners

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has extended an invitation to the Acting High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa for a meeting scheduled to take place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

Ebienfa said the objective of this engagement is to formally convey the Nigerian Government’s profound concern regarding recent events that have the potential to impact the established cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

He said discussions will primarily focus on the ongoing demonstrations by various groups within South Africa and the documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.

According to him, the Ministry is aware of the growing discontent among Nigerians concerning the treatment of their nationals in South Africa.

“Nevertheless, it 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.