Federal Government says it is considering possible measures in response to recent incidents of violence and hostility against Nigerians in South Africa, amid ongoing efforts to facilitate the voluntary return of affected citizens.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
She said arrangements for the evacuation of Nigerians who indicated interest in returning home were still ongoing, following delays caused by documentation verification and screening exercises being conducted jointly with South African authorities.
According to the minister, the verification process, which commenced last Thursday and involved more than 1,000 Nigerians, was initially expected to be concluded before the planned evacuation flights.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the government remained concerned about reports of attacks and discriminatory treatment targeting Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa.
Responding to questions on whether Nigeria could impose reciprocal measures on South African interests in the country, the minister said the option was under consideration.
“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 is not off the table,” she said.
The minister noted that Nigeria played a significant role in supporting South Africa’s struggle against apartheid and contributed resources toward the country’s liberation efforts.
She recalled that Nigeria provided educational opportunities for South African students and actively supported anti-apartheid campaigns during the liberation era.
“Nigeria is not happy because Nigeria has sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence. Nigeria committed funds and resources to aid South Africa.
“My generation carried placards and demonstrated in front of South African assets. Sometimes we even got arrested for doing this,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed concern that migrants from other regions were not being targeted in the same manner as African migrants.
She reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and ensuring that those wishing to return home are assisted through appropriate diplomatic channels.
The minister added that consultations on the situation were ongoing and that the government would continue to monitor developments while exploring all available options.
