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As xenophobic attacks persist across South Africa, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has urged Nigerians living in the country to temporarily shut down their businesses and avoid confrontations.
The advisory comes amid growing anti-foreigner protests, with some South Africans calling for the expulsion of foreign nationals and the closure of foreign-owned businesses.
In a statement, NiDCOM said the warning followed a circular issued by the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg on Wednesday. The commission noted that protests in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent, resulting in looting, property damage, and injuries.
According to NiDCOM, intelligence from the consulate indicates that fresh protests are planned in Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29, as demonstrators seek to pressure the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals.
The commission advised Nigerians to avoid engaging with protesters, stay away from 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 targeted during such unrest.
The commission said it aligns with the position of the Consul-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, adding that the mission remains operational and is working with South African police authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
It further disclosed that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, is engaging with her South African counterpart to address the situation.
