FG to Nigerians: Shut your businesses in S’AfricaINEC oversight analysis
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has advised Nigerian business owners in South Africa to temporarily shut down their businesses to minimise risks and avoid losses following a fresh wave of anti-foreigner protests in parts of the country.
The commission said the directive was a precautionary measure based on an official circular from the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg (Ref No: CGJHB/AD/209/VOL I), dated April 22, 2026, which indicated that demonstrations in East London, Cape Town, Durban and parts of KwaZulu-Natal had turned violent, resulting in looting, property damage and injuries.
However, NiDCOM ruled out any immediate evacuation plans, noting that such a decision would only be considered if the situation significantly deteriorates.
Speaking with Saturday PUNCH on Friday, the commission’s Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said, “We have told them (Nigerians) to shut down their businesses temporarily and always follow the rules and regulations of their host country.
“It is just an appeal, reminding them of their responsibilities. They are citizens of Nigeria; they have to show leadership, obedience to constituted authority, and project a good image of the country.”
When asked about possible evacuation, Balogun said, “Until that time comes. It must happen before we evacuate. What we are doing for now is to advise Nigerians living in South Africa, and I don’t think the situation will degenerate to that level.”
Earlier in a statement on Friday, NiDCOM disclosed that intelligence from the consulate indicated further protests were being planned in Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29, 2026.
The demonstrations, it said, were aimed at pressuring the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals.
“In response, NiDCOM advises all Nigerian citizens to avoid confrontation with protesters, refrain from engaging with demonstration groups and monitor local media for real-time safety updates. Nigerian nationals are also urged to remain law-abiding at all times,” the statement read.
The commission further advised Nigerian business owners to shut their shops on Freedom Day, April 27, and consider remaining closed on April 28 and 29, as foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during unrest.
NiDCOM reaffirmed its support for the Consul-General, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, noting that the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg remains operational and is working with South African police authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
It also disclosed that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is engaging with her South African counterpart over the situation.
Speaking in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, the President-General of Nigerians in South Africa, Smart Nwobi, said Nigerians have been advised to avoid volatile areas and remain indoors for safety.
He noted that various groups have been targeting migrants on the streets, demanding that they return to their home countries.
“It really calls for concern. We have told people to refrain from going to flashpoints or stay indoors. They are taking out their anger on the wrong people instead of holding their government accountable for unemployment and other challenges.
“Different groups are harassing migrants, including Nigerians, telling them to go back to their country,” Nwobi said.
He, however, called on the Nigerian government, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Senate, to intervene and engage South African authorities.
“Nigerians are large in numbers. Out of five Africans, Nigerians will be three. After Zimbabwe, we are in the majority.
“We are calling on our government and the Senate to step in and call the South African Ambassador to Nigeria to explain why our people are being harassed on the streets of South Africa while South Africans are living peacefully in Nigeria.
“These are groups usurping the powers of the state. The state cannot allow anarchy,” he added.
The development comes less than a month after protests erupted in East London over the coronation of a traditional leader by Nigeria’s Igbo community, which triggered attacks on foreigners and destruction of property.
Fresh incidents of xenophobic attacks against African immigrants have since been reported, with some South Africans allegedly demanding that foreign nationals leave the country.
Several viral videos circulating on social media show groups confronting and, in some cases, assaulting African immigrants while demanding their exit.
In one of the videos, a group confronted a Ghanaian national, questioning his presence in the country.
Several viral videos circulating on social media show groups confronting and, in some cases, assaulting African immigrants while demanding their exit.
In one of the videos, a group confronted a Ghanaian national, questioning his presence in the country.
“This thing of moving from one country to another is no longer working. We don’t want these African people anymore. We want you to fix your countries,” a woman was heard saying.
In the same clip, another man questioned the legality of the Ghanaian’s documents, accusing him of fraud and warning others to leave or risk being targeted.
A separate video showed the assault of a man reportedly identified as a South African who was mistaken for a foreigner.
In another clip, a South African man criticised foreigners for “sleeping comfortably” while locals struggle.
They must go back to their countries,” he said.
Meanwhile, residents of Mthatha in Eastern Cape Province are expected to stage a protest over concerns about the presence of foreign nationals and limited job opportunities for locals.
Another video showed a man in a hospital waiting area demanding that foreigners present leave the premises.
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