NiDCOM Urges Nigerians in South Africa to Shut Businesses Amid Rising Xenophobic Attacks

NiDCOM Urges Nigerians in South Africa to Shut Businesses Amid Rising Xenophobic Attacks

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has advised Nigerians living in South Africa to temporarily close their businesses and steer clear of confrontations as xenophobic tensions escalate in parts of the country.

The warning follows a surge in anti-foreigner protests, with demonstrators reportedly targeting businesses owned by non-nationals and demanding their exit.

In a statement issued on Friday, the commission said the advisory was based on security updates from the Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg, which indicated that protests in cities such as East London, Cape Town, Durban and KwaZulu-Natal had turned violent.

According to NiDCOM, the unrest has led to looting, destruction of property and injuries, raising fresh concerns for Nigerians and other foreign nationals who depend largely on small-scale enterprises.

The commission also disclosed that intelligence reports suggest additional demonstrations are being planned in Gauteng province between April 27 and 29, aimed at mounting pressure on authorities over the presence of foreign nationals.

It urged Nigerians to avoid crowded areas, refrain from engaging with protesters and closely monitor local media for updates on the evolving situation.

Business owners were specifically advised to shut their shops on April 27, which coincides with Freedom Day, and consider extending the closure through April 28 and 29, noting that foreign-owned businesses are often prime targets during such unrest.

NiDCOM said it aligns with the position of the Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, adding that the diplomatic mission remains active and is working with South African authorities to safeguard Nigerians.

The commission further noted that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, is engaging her South African counterpart as part of efforts to address the situation.

The latest developments have heightened anxiety among Nigerians abroad, particularly those operating small businesses, as memories of past xenophobic attacks in South Africa resurface.