The Federal Government has said it may seek the intervention of the African Union over the recurring attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, warning that the situation has evolved into a continental challenge requiring collective action.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, disclosed this during a television interview on Thursday, where he expressed concern over the resurgence of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in the southern African country.
According to the minister, the repeated attacks undermine the ideals of African unity, cooperation and regional integration, which form the foundation of relations among countries on the continent.
He stated that Nigeria would continue diplomatic engagements with South African authorities at different levels to ensure the protection of its citizens and prevent further acts of violence.
Enikanolaiye condemned inflammatory rhetoric and actions capable of encouraging hostility against foreign nationals, stressing that governments have a responsibility to safeguard all residents within their territories regardless of nationality.
He noted that the Federal Government was prepared to intensify diplomatic efforts, including discussions at the highest levels of government, to ensure Nigerians living in South Africa are not subjected to harassment or attacks.
The minister added that Nigeria was considering taking the matter before the African Union in pursuit of a broader continental response aimed at addressing the growing trend of xenophobic violence.
He maintained that African countries must collectively uphold the principles of solidarity and mutual respect, warning that attacks against fellow Africans threaten the vision of a united and prosperous continent.
The development comes as the first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrived in Lagos following recent outbreaks of violence.
A total of 268 returnees were received on Thursday as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing evacuation programme for citizens willing to leave the country amid security concerns.
Officials disclosed that more than 1,000 Nigerians have indicated interest in returning home, with additional evacuation flights expected in the coming days.
The latest wave of attacks has sparked fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians residing in South Africa, reigniting calls for stronger diplomatic measures and lasting solutions to xenophobia on the continent.
Observers say the situation could test diplomatic relations between both countries if urgent steps are not taken to address the underlying causes of the violence and protect vulnerable communities.
