Xenophobia: Concerns Grow over Nigeria’s Ties With S’Africa

Hamilton Nwosa
Writer

Ad

Fuel Price hike Looms as Dangote Refinery Halts Petrol Sales in Naira

By Abiola Olawale Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced its decision to suspend sales of premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, in local currency starting from Sunday, September 28, 2025. The New Diplomat reports that the decision by the refinery owned by Africa’s richest person, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has sparked fears about a potential…

Iran recalls envoys to UK, France, Germany as UN sanctions begin again

By Obinna Uballa Iran has recalled its ambassadors to the United Kingdom, France, and Germany for consultations, after the three European powers triggered the “snapback” mechanism that reinstates United Nations sanctions on Tehran for the first time in ten years. “Following the irresponsible action of three European countries in abusing the JCPOA dispute resolution mechanism…

Dangote, PENGASSAN face-off worsen as union cut Gas supplies to Dangote Refinery

By Abiola Olawale The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has issued an urgent directive to its members to halt all gas and crude oil supplies to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery effective immediately. In a strongly worded letter dated September 26, signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary Comrade Lumumba Ighotemu Okugbawa, the…

Ad

There is growing concern over Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic ties with her South African neighbour as more  pictures of xenophobic attacks on immigrants in South Africa appear online on Sunday.

The violence has forced foreigners, especially Nigerians, out of their homes with many ending up in transit camps set  up by non-profit groups. The search for greener pastures has turned to search for refuge as some Nigerians may be  forced to return home this week.

The xenophobic attacks on immigrants are coming seven months after Pastor TB Joshua’s Synagogue of All Nations church building  collapse in September, 2015 in which 84 South Africans were reportedly killed, causing ripples of tension between the  two countries.immigrants attack

Like the Synagogue building collapse, the attack against Nigerians in South Africa is renewing rivalries between the two African giants as several groups, politicians and activists have condemned the atrocities. While some are seeking economic sanctions, others are berating the South Africa’s government management of the crisis.

The News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday quoted the Nigerian Consul-General in South Africa, Uche Ajulu-Okeke, as saying that Nigerian citizens in South Africa had lost more than 1.2 million rand, amounting to over N20m to the violence.

The Nigerian envoy said at Jeppe, a Johannesburg suburb, the mission had helped about 50 stranded Nigerians to resettle.

According to Ajulu-Okeke,   the loss   recorded by Nigerians so far included looted shops, burnt shops, two burnt mechanic workshops, 11 burnt cars and two stolen cars, among others.”

“Nigerians have compiled damage to their property and it is totalling about 1.2 million Rand or N21 million, which will be sent to the Federal Government for further action,” she said.

South Africa’s large investments in Nigeria such as MTN, DSTV, Protea Hotel, IBTC, Shoprite. and Nigeria may suffer a setback as Nigerians at home are already calling for a sabotage.

If it continues, the violence may take its toll on the economic relationship between the two countries.

Ad

Unlocking Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea during UNGA80
X whatsapp