Omanghana
At least 130 citizens of Nigeria living in South Africa have registered for a government-assisted voluntary repatriation program, following a wave of anti-foreigner protests that erupted in late April 2026.
The demonstrations, reported in major cities including Pretoria and Johannesburg, have raised safety concerns among migrant communities, prompting Nigerian authorities to take diplomatic action.
Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, on May 4 summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner to formally express what she described as the government’s “profound concern” over the welfare of Nigerian nationals in the country.
The Nigerian government is also calling for full investigations into the deaths of two of its citizens—Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel and Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew—who were reportedly killed in separate incidents involving South African security personnel in April.
President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned what he termed “xenophobic rhetoric” and “incendiary anti-migrant statements,” warning that such narratives are contributing to escalating tensions and violence.
The protests have been driven by groups demanding stricter enforcement of immigration laws, arguing that undocumented migrants are placing pressure on jobs, security, and public services. However, migrant rights organizations have pushed back against these claims, accusing organizers of scapegoating foreigners for broader economic challenges, including unemployment rates exceeding 30%.
Officials say the number of Nigerians opting for voluntary return is likely to increase, as further demonstrations are expected to continue through May 8, heightening uncertainty for foreign nationals living in South Africa.
Source: Omanghana
