Nigeria considers retaliation against South Africa for xenophobia

…The government says the response could include restrictions on South Africans

…Repatriation flights interrupted by documentation delays

The federal government has said it is considering possible retaliatory measures against South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, even as evacuation arrangements for affected citizens are being finalised.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this on Sunday while briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, amid rising diplomatic tension between Nigeria and South Africa over the safety of Nigerian citizens.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the option of punitive action against South Africa was not out of the question, stressing that such a decision would, however, require broader governmental and legislative consideration.

“Well, that’s a situation we’re considering. It’s up to our legislature. That’s a decision that needs to be made at the highest level of government,” he said.

“But it’s not out of the question.”

The minister expressed strong disappointment at the repeated attacks on Nigerians, recalling Nigeria’s historic support for South Africa during its fight against apartheid.

“Nigeria is not happy because it has sacrificed a lot for the South African struggle for independence. Nigeria has committed funds and resources to help South Africa,” he said.

He further noted that Nigerians were offended by what he described as a selective attack on migrants in the affected areas.

“Sometimes we have even been arrested for this reason. Nigeria is a serious frontline state and Nigerians are not happy with how they have been treated. They are not asking other migrants to leave; they are only asking black migrants to leave,” he added.

On the evacuation process, the minister explained that repatriation flights for stranded Nigerians were delayed due to documentation and screening procedures carried out in collaboration with the South African authorities.

According to her, the screening of more than 1,000 Nigerian citizens, which began last Thursday, was expected to end on Saturday, with evacuation flights initially scheduled for Monday but now delayed.

He assured that arrangements are being made to bring back those who have voluntarily chosen to return home, adding that the government remains committed to ensuring their safety and dignity.

Diplomatic observers say the latest developments could strain bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa if not urgently addressed through high-level engagement.

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