By
Sandra Chukwugekwu
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has urged Nigerians residing in South Africa to exercise caution following escalating anti-foreigner demonstrations in parts of the country.
In a statement, the Commission advised citizens to adhere strictly to safety directives from the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg, citing increasing violence linked to the protests.
According to an official circular from the Consulate (Ref No: CGJHB/AD/209/VOL I) dated April 22, demonstrations in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent, resulting in looting, property damage, and injuries.
The Commission further disclosed that intelligence reports indicate fresh protests are planned in Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29, with demonstrators seeking to pressure the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals.
“NiDCOM is advising all Nigerian citizens to avoid any confrontation with protesters, refrain from engaging with demonstration groups, and monitor local media outlets for real-time safety information,” the statement said.
The agency also urged Nigerians to remain law-abiding and vigilant, stressing the importance of personal safety during the period of unrest.
Business owners were specifically advised to take precautionary measures, including shutting down operations on Freedom Day on April 27, and possibly extending closure through April 28 and 29, as foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during such incidents.
NiDCOM endorsed the position of the Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, noting that the Consulate remains fully operational and is working closely with South African security agencies to safeguard Nigerian nationals.
The statement also revealed ongoing diplomatic engagement, with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Onoh, in talks with her South African counterpart to address the situation.
