For some Nigerians living in South Africa, the conversation has shifted from opportunity to uncertainty, and in some cases, to exit plans.
Nigeria has confirmed it is organising emergency repatriation flights for its citizens, following rising concerns about safety amid renewed anti-immigrant tensions. According to EWN, at least 130 people have already indicated they want to leave, a figure expected to grow as anxiety spreads within migrant communities.
The move follows diplomatic pressure, with Nigeria summoning South Africa’s envoy in Abuja over what it described as repeated incidents of harassment and attacks on its citizens and their businesses.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa laid out the concern plainly.
‘We’ve seen cases whereby Nigerians have been threatened,’ he said.
He added a pointed warning about accountability:
‘If those that are carrying out the attacks are not punished, are not questioned, are not stopped, indirectly you’re allowing them to do whatever they are doing.’
The situation has also drawn strong reaction from Nigeria’s top diplomat, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
‘Nigerian lives and businesses in SA must not continue to be put at risk,’ she said, adding that the number of citizens requesting evacuation is likely to rise.
She also confirmed that two Nigerians, Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel and Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew, died in separate incidents involving South African security personnel last month, prompting calls for ‘impartial’ investigations.
On the ground, tensions have been building.
In late April, protests in Hillbrow drew attention after videos circulated online showing demonstrators marching against nationals from Nigeria, Ghana and Tanzania. The footage quickly spread beyond South Africa’s borders, sparking strong reactions across the continent and fuelling concerns about a resurgence of xenophobic violence.
While such incidents are not new, their timing has raised questions, particularly with local elections scheduled for November.
South Africa’s leadership has pushed back against the narrative that the violence is purely xenophobic. Minister Gayton McKenzie addressed the issue directly in a series of posts on X.
‘I have had so many calls from fellow ministers from other African countries inquiring about the supposed xenophobic attacks,’ he stated.
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He argued that the country’s broader crime problem is being misunderstood.
‘SA is experiencing and dealing with a high violent crime rate currently. We are fighting hard to bring the daily number down,’ he said.
It’s a perspective that shifts the focus from targeted hostility to a wider issue of crime, though not everyone agrees with that framing.
Diplomatically, both countries appear to be trying to steady the situation. South Africa’s foreign minister, Ronald Lamola, confirmed that discussions with Nigeria are ongoing.
‘We reflected on the challenges posed by irregular migration and committed to working to address the root causes, find common and sustainable solutions to this shared concern,’ he said.
Meanwhile, acting police minister Firoz Cachalia reiterated the government’s stance:
‘Acts of xenophobia, violence, looting or intimidation will not be tolerated under any circumstances.’
Still, the issue runs deeper than official statements.
South Africa is home to roughly three million foreign nationals, about 5.1% of the population, many of whom have built lives, businesses and communities over the years. But the country also faces high unemployment and inequality, factors that often fuel frustration and, at times, misplaced blame.
Nigeria’s foreign minister pointed to what she called a ‘repetitive wave’ of xenophobic incidents, suggesting these tensions tend to intensify ahead of elections, when migration becomes a political flashpoint.
For those considering leaving, the decision is rarely simple.
Many Nigerians in South Africa are not just visitors; they are entrepreneurs, workers, and parents. Returning home means stepping away from businesses, relationships and long-term plans.
The planned repatriation flights are, in many ways, a short-term response to a long-standing issue.
They offer an exit for those who feel unsafe, but they also underline a deeper challenge: how to ensure that migration within Africa remains a source of opportunity rather than tension.
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