The Federal Government has disclosed that it is considering retaliatory measures against South Africans following renewed attacks and hostility directed at Nigerians living in South Africa.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the disclosure while briefing journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, amid ongoing efforts to evacuate Nigerians who have expressed a desire to return home due to safety concerns.
According to the minister, the planned evacuation flights scheduled to commence on Monday, June 8, have been delayed as Nigerian and South African authorities continue joint documentation and screening exercises involving more than 1,000 Nigerians.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained that the verification process, which began last Thursday, was initially expected to be completed before the evacuation exercise. However, final preparations are still underway.
Speaking on the possibility of Nigeria responding by restricting privileges enjoyed by South Africans residing in the country, the minister said such an option remains under consideration.
“Well, that is a situation that we are considering. This is up to our legislature. This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government, but it is not off the table,” she said.
The minister expressed displeasure over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa, stressing that many Nigerians believe their sacrifices during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle have not been reciprocated.
“Nigeria is not happy because Nigeria sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence. Nigeria committed funds and resources to support South Africa. Schools reserved spaces for South African students, and many Nigerians actively participated in campaigns against apartheid,” she stated.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further alleged that black African migrants, particularly Nigerians, appear to be the primary targets of the hostility.
“Nigerians are not happy about how they have been treated. They are not asking other migrants to leave; they are only asking black migrants to leave,” she added.
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