Federal Government has invited the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa for talks in Abuja, following recent protests in South Africa and reports of incidents affecting Nigerian-owned businesses.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the meeting is set for Monday, May 4, 2026.
It said the discussion will focus on the welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa and on maintaining the strong diplomatic and trade relationship between both nations.
Why the Meeting Was Called
Reports say recent demonstrations by several groups in South Africa have been linked to cases of harassment and damage to businesses owned by foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
Speaking on Saturday, Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the government is following developments closely.
Ebienfa added that Nigeria remains committed to diplomatic dialogue and to protecting its citizens in other countries.
Government Urges Calm
Notwithstanding, the Federal Government has appealed to Nigerians to remain calm.
It assured the public that steps are being taken through diplomatic channels to address the matter and to uphold the safety and dignity of Nigerians in South Africa.
READ ALSO: NNPC Completes River Niger Section of OB3 Gas Pipeline
Nigeria–South Africa Relations: A Brief Background
Nigeria and South Africa share a long-standing bilateral relationship that dates back to Nigeria’s support for the anti-apartheid movement.
Over the years, both countries have partnered on trade, investment, and regional issues.
The relationship has faced challenges in the past as incidents affecting foreign nationals were reported in 2008, 2015, and 2019.
The 2019 developments led to diplomatic discussions, with Nigeria temporarily recalling its High Commissioner and not attending the World Economic Forum on Africa that year.
After those events, both countries introduced measures such as early warning systems and joint consular meetings.
These were aimed at improving communication and preventing future incidents.
While progress has been made, issues linked to local economic and social issues have continued to appear occasionally.
What to Expect Next
Monday’s meeting is expected to give both countries a chance to review recent events and restate their commitment to citizen protection and bilateral cooperation.
0 Comments