By Kingsley Ameh
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has called on Nigerians living in South Africa to remain vigilant and strictly observe safety guidelines amid a surge in anti-foreigner protests across parts of the country.
The caution follows an advisory issued by the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg on April 22, 2026, highlighting that protests in cities such as East London, Cape Town, Durban, and areas of KwaZulu-Natal have escalated into violence. Incidents of looting, property damage, and injuries have been reported.
According to the notice, intelligence suggests that more demonstrations are planned in Gauteng Province between April 27 and April 29, with protesters reportedly seeking government action against foreign nationals.
In a statement signed by its Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM urged Nigerians to avoid protest areas, refrain from confrontations, and stay updated through credible local media on developments. The commission also emphasised the need for citizens to remain law-abiding at all times.
Business owners were specifically advised to take precautionary measures, including closing operations on Freedom Day, April 27, and possibly extending the shutdown through April 28 and 29, as foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during such unrest.
NiDCOM reiterated its alignment with the position of Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, noting that the consulate remains open and is collaborating with South African security agencies to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
The commission further disclosed that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Onoh, is engaging her South African counterpart in ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the situation.
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