The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has advised Nigerian business owners in South Africa to temporarily shut down operations to reduce exposure to risk amid a renewed wave of anti-foreigner protests across parts of the country.
The advisory follows intelligence from the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg (Ref No: CGJHB/AD/209/VOL I, dated April 22, 2026), which warned that demonstrations in East London, Cape Town, Durban and parts of KwaZulu-Natal had turned violent, leading to looting, property destruction and injuries.
While urging caution, NiDCOM ruled out immediate evacuation, stressing that such a move would only be considered if the security situation worsens significantly.
The commission’s Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the directive was purely precautionary, The News Chronicle reports.
“We have told them to shut down their businesses temporarily and always follow the rules and regulations of their host country,” he said.
“It is just an appeal, reminding them of their responsibilities. They are citizens of Nigeria; they have to show leadership, obedience to constituted authority, and project a good image of the country.”
On the possibility of evacuation, he added: “Until that time comes… what we are doing for now is to advise Nigerians living in South Africa. I don’t think the situation will degenerate to that level.”
NiDCOM also disclosed that further protests are being planned in Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29, 2026, with organisers reportedly demanding stricter government action on foreign nationals.
In response, Nigerians have been urged to avoid confrontation, steer clear of protest areas, and closely monitor local media for safety updates.
“Nigerian nationals are also urged to remain law-abiding at all times,” the commission said.
It further advised business owners to shut shops on Freedom Day, April 27, and remain closed through April 28 and 29, noting that foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during unrest.
NiDCOM reaffirmed that the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg remains operational and is working with South African authorities to ensure the safety of citizens. It also confirmed ongoing diplomatic engagement between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and her South African counterpart.
Meanwhile, the President-General of Nigerians in South Africa, Smart Nwobi, said citizens have been advised to stay indoors and avoid flashpoints.
“Different groups are harassing migrants, including Nigerians, telling them to go back to their country,” he said.
He urged urgent diplomatic intervention from the Nigerian government, warning that tensions were escalating.
“Nigerians are large in number… We are calling on our government and the Senate to step in and engage South African authorities. These are groups usurping state powers. The state cannot allow anarchy,” he said.
The development follows recent unrest linked to xenophobic sentiments, including protests in East London triggered by tensions over a traditional coronation by Nigeria’s Igbo community, which escalated into attacks on foreigners and property damage.
In recent days, viral videos have shown confrontations and assaults on African immigrants, with some South Africans openly demanding their departure.
In one clip, a woman was heard saying: “We don’t want these African people anymore. We want you to fix your countries.”
Other footage shows individuals accusing foreign nationals of illegal residency and warning them to leave, while separate incidents include mistaken identity attacks and confrontations in public spaces.
Authorities in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, are also expected to stage protests over unemployment concerns and the presence of foreign nationals, further heightening tensions across affected regions.
