The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has renewed its call for an end to xenophobic attacks against Nigerians abroad, stressing that crime has no nationality and should not be used to justify collective punishment. The commission made the appeal amid reports of renewed violence and discrimination against foreign nationals in South Africa. The warning highlights growing concerns over xenophobic attacks affecting Nigerian communities in the diaspora.
Xenophobic violence in South Africa has remained a recurring issue over the years, often linked to social and economic tensions involving foreign nationals. Nigerian citizens and other African migrants have frequently been affected by harassment, intimidation, and sporadic outbreaks of violence. Diplomatic missions and diaspora organisations have repeatedly called for stronger protection mechanisms and coordinated responses from host governments and African institutions to address the trend.
NiDCOM, through its leadership, reiterated that criminal behaviour should be treated individually and not attributed to an entire nationality. The commission emphasised that “crime has no nationality” and urged host communities to avoid profiling foreign nationals based on the actions of individuals.
The appeal follows recent advisories issued to Nigerians in South Africa, where authorities reported escalating protests and targeted attacks on foreign-owned businesses and residents. According to official updates, Nigerian missions have advised citizens to remain cautious, monitor local developments, and comply with safety directives issued by diplomatic offices.
NiDCOM also confirmed ongoing engagement with Nigerian diplomatic missions in South Africa and relevant authorities to ensure the protection of citizens. It further encouraged Nigerians abroad to remain law-abiding while diplomatic channels work to address emerging tensions linked to xenophobic attacks.
Reports indicate that recent incidents have included violence, looting, and intimidation in some affected areas, prompting temporary closures of businesses owned by foreign nationals as a precautionary measure. The commission restated its support for coordinated diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and South Africa, noting that both countries share long-standing bilateral relations and regional responsibilities within Africa.
The persistence of xenophobic attacks poses challenges for regional stability, migration policy, and diplomatic relations between African countries. It also raises concerns about the safety of foreign nationals and the effectiveness of existing protection frameworks. For Nigeria, continued incidents involving its citizens abroad may increase pressure on diplomatic institutions to strengthen consular support and crisis response mechanisms.
