The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain vigilant and strictly comply with safety directives issued by the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg following a surge in anti-foreigner protests.
In a statement released on Thursday, the commission referenced an official advisory from the consulate warning that demonstrations in cities including East London, Cape Town, Durban, and KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent, with incidents of looting, destruction of property, and injuries reported.
According to intelligence cited in the consulate’s circular, further protests are expected in Gauteng Province between April 27 and April 29, 2026, as demonstrators intensify demands for stricter government action against foreign nationals.
The statement, signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media and Public Relations at NiDCOM, urged Nigerians to avoid confrontation with protesters, refrain from engaging in demonstrations, and stay updated through local media channels for real-time safety information. Citizens were also advised to remain law-abiding at all times.
NiDCOM further cautioned Nigerian business owners to take preventive measures, including temporarily closing their businesses during the protest period. Specifically, it recommended closure on Freedom Day on April 27, with possible extension through April 28 and 29, as foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during such unrest.
The commission endorsed the advisory issued by the Consul-General, Ambassador Nnikanwa O. Okey-Uche, noting that the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg remains operational and is working closely with South African security agencies to ensure the safety of Nigerian nationals.
It also disclosed that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, is engaging with her South African counterpart to address the situation diplomatically.
NiDCOM reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians in the diaspora and urged them to prioritise personal safety, remain cautious, and avoid unnecessary exposure during the period of unrest.
