Nigeria has issued a strong warning to South Africa over the alleged mistreatment and humiliation of Nigerians living in the country.
Vice President Kashim Shettima said on Monday, August 31, 2026, that Nigeria would no longer tolerate situations in which its citizens are dehumanised or subjected to unacceptable treatment in South Africa.
Shettima made the statement in Luanda, Angola, shortly before departing for Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
The Vice President reiterated Nigeria’s opposition to recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. He urged South African authorities to protect the lives and dignity of foreign nationals while enforcing the country’s immigration laws.
Shettima said Nigeria remained committed to resolving its concerns with South Africa through dialogue and peaceful engagement. However, he stressed that peaceful diplomacy should not prevent Nigeria from speaking out whenever the safety and dignity of its citizens are threatened.
The Vice President also recalled Nigeria’s historical role in supporting the liberation struggles in Southern Africa, including the fight against apartheid. He said this history made reports of Nigerians being humiliated in South Africa particularly painful for the Nigerian government and people.
According to Shettima, Nigeria believes South Africa has the right to enforce its immigration laws, but such enforcement must respect human rights and human dignity.
The Nigerian government has also called for stronger action at the continental level. At the African Union meeting in Luanda, Nigeria urged African leaders to reaffirm their commitment to protecting the safety and dignity of African nationals across the continent.
The issue has become a source of concern in relations between Nigeria and South Africa, as attacks against foreign nationals have repeatedly generated diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Nigeria has previously taken steps to assist citizens affected by xenophobic attacks. The government has also raised the issue with African regional institutions and called for a coordinated response to attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
Despite the strong warning, Shettima said Nigeria does not want to escalate tensions with South Africa. He maintained that both countries should engage in robust discussions and find diplomatic solutions to their disagreements.
The latest comments are likely to increase pressure on South African authorities to address concerns surrounding the treatment of foreign nationals while ensuring that immigration enforcement does not lead to violence, humiliation or discrimination.
Nigeria and South Africa remain two of Africa’s most influential countries, making the maintenance of stable relations between them important for the continent.
