Nigeria’ll No Longer Tolerate Dehumanisation Of Citizens In S’Africa

Vice President Kashim Shettima has warned that Nigeria will no longer tolerate the dehumanisation or mistreatment of its citizens in South Africa, stressing the Federal Government’s determination to protect Nigerians living and working abroad.

Shettima issued the warning while representing President Bola Tinubu at a high-level African Union engagement in Luanda, Angola, where concerns over xenophobic attacks and the treatment of African migrants were discussed.

The Vice President said Nigeria remained committed to peaceful relations with South Africa but would not remain silent when Nigerians were subjected to violence, discrimination or degrading treatment.

He called for stronger cooperation between African countries to address xenophobia and ensure that citizens living outside their countries are treated with dignity and respect.

Shettima said the protection of Nigerians abroad remained an important responsibility of the Federal Government, particularly in countries where Nigerian communities have faced incidents of hostility.

The warning comes amid renewed concerns over attacks and discriminatory treatment of African nationals in South Africa.

Nigerians constitute one of the largest African migrant communities in South Africa, with citizens involved in business, professional services, education and other economic activities.

While urging Nigerians abroad to obey the laws of their host countries, the government has consistently maintained that legitimate enforcement of immigration laws should not result in violence or collective punishment.

Shettima stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement in resolving disputes between African countries and protecting citizens across borders.

He also supported stronger continental mechanisms for preventing conflicts and addressing security and humanitarian challenges affecting Africans.

The Vice President said African countries must work together to ensure that the continent’s integration agenda is not undermined by discrimination against citizens of neighbouring states.

According to him, African unity should include respect for the dignity and rights of Africans wherever they reside on the continent.

The Federal Government has intensified diplomatic engagement on issues affecting Nigerians abroad, particularly where citizens face threats to their lives, property or livelihoods.

Shettima’s remarks also align with President Tinubu’s recent call for the African Union to take collective action against xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa.

The Nigerian government believes that stronger regional cooperation is necessary to address the underlying causes of xenophobia, including economic competition, irregular migration concerns and misinformation.

The Vice President urged African leaders to pursue solutions that protect citizens while respecting national laws and sovereignty.

He maintained that Nigeria would continue to engage South Africa diplomatically but expected authorities to ensure that Nigerians and other African nationals receive appropriate protection.

The warning underscores the Federal Government’s growing focus on safeguarding Nigerians abroad while strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic role in continental affairs.

As concerns over xenophobia persist, Nigeria is expected to continue pressing for greater accountability and stronger measures to protect African migrants from violence and discrimination in South Africa.