Xenophobia: We’re Considering Retaliatory Measures Against South Africans – FG

Monday June 8, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng

The Federal Government has said Nigeria might consider retaliatory measures following xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa that has necessitated repatriation of those that wish to return home.

Asked whether Nigeria might retaliate by restricting privileges for South Africans in Nigeria, Ambassador Ojukwu did not rule out punitive responses.

She said: “Well, that is a situation that we are considering. This is up to our legislature. This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government.

“But it’s not off the table.

“Nigeria is not happy because Nigeria has sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence.

“Nigeria sacrificed quite a lot, committed funds, committed resources to aid South Africa. In schools, seats were reserved for South African students. My own generation carried placards; we demonstrated in front of South African assets.

“Sometimes we even got arrested for doing this.

“Nigeria is a serious frontline state, and Nigerians are not happy about how they have been treated. They are not asking other migrants to leave; they’re only asking black migrants to leave.”