FG considers retaliatory measures against S/Africa over attacks on Nigerians

The Federal Government has expressed concern over the continued attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa, saying it is considering possible retaliatory measures if the situation persists. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. She said any decision on retaliatory action would […]

The Federal Government has expressed concern over the continued attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa, saying it is considering possible retaliatory measures if the situation persists.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
She said any decision on retaliatory action would require consideration at the highest levels of government, including the National Assembly.
“Nigeria is not happy. We sacrificed so much for South Africa’s struggle against apartheid. We committed resources, provided educational opportunities and supported the liberation movement in various ways. Nigerians are deeply disappointed by how our citizens are being treated,” she said.
Asked whether Nigeria was considering sanctions or reciprocal measures, the minister said the option remained under consideration.
“That is a situation we are considering. It is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government, but it is not off the table,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also dismissed claims by some South African authorities that many Nigerians seeking repatriation were illegal migrants.
She described the allegations as false, insisting that most of the affected Nigerians are law-abiding residents and business owners who have become targets of harassment, intimidation and criminal attacks.
The minister disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had directed the immediate establishment of crisis response units at the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria to assist affected citizens.
She said the repatriation process remains on course, explaining that documentation and screening procedures involving both Nigerian and South African authorities were nearing completion.
She also said the number of Nigerians seeking assistance continues to rise, but the government is working to reach affected persons across various provinces and facilitate their return.