The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has advised Nigerian business owners in South Africa to temporarily shut down their businesses as a precautionary measure following a fresh wave of anti-foreigner protests in parts of the country.
In a statement, the commission said the advice was based on an official circular issued by the Nigerian Consulate General Johannesburg, dated April 22, 2026, which reported that demonstrations in several locations had escalated into violence.
According to the circular, protests in East London, Cape Town, Durban and parts of KwaZulu-Natal resulted in looting, property damage and injuries, raising worries about the safety of foreign nationals and their businesses.
Despite the developments, NiDCOM said there were no immediate plans to evacuate Nigerians from South Africa, revealing that such a step would only be considered if the situation deteriorates significantly.
It also disclosed that intelligence reports from the consulate indicated that further protests were being planned in Gauteng Province between April 27 and April 29, 2026.
READ ALSO: CBN Raises ATM Card Issuance Fee to N1,500
The demonstrations are reportedly 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 said.
Nigerian business owners were specifically advised to close their shops on Freedom Day, April 27, and consider remaining shut on April 28 and 29, as foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during periods of unrest.
NiDCOM reaffirmed its support for the Consul-General, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, and said the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg remains operational and is working with South African police authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
The commission added that Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is engaging with her South African counterpart to address the situation and protect Nigerian citizens.