Amid Xenophobic Tensions: NIDO Africa Issues Safety Advisory to Nigerians in South Africa
*Xhenophobic Tensions: Report Any Threats to Life or Property”, NIDO Africa Tells Nigerians in South Africa
*NIDO Africa Urges South African Government to Uphold Its Constitutional & Int’l Obligations to Protect All amidst Xhenophobic Tensions
By Victor Bieni
The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Africa has urged Nigerian nationals in South Africa to remain vigilant and avoid areas prone to unrest following reports of rising xenophobic tensions.
Royal Paradise Media (News Online) learnt this from The African Continental Chairman, Nigerian in Diaspora Organizations (NIDO Africa), Prof Jude Osakwe in a telephone conversation with our reporter today being on Friday, May 8, 2026 as leadership issues safety advisory to Nigerians in South Africa amid Xhenophobic tensions.
NIDO Africa said it had been closely monitoring developments across the country with growing concern. Prof Jude told our reporter that the incidents of hostility directed at foreign nationals and renewed xenophobic violence had prompted the advisory.
In the words of NIDO Africa Continental Chairman: “The safety, dignity, and rights of every Nigerian abroad remain our foremost concern. We call on compatriots to take precautionary measures to safeguard themselves and their property”.
“The six key advisory directives for Nigerians in South Africa included amongst others are: maintaining constant vigilance, avoiding known flashpoints, and refraining from engaging with confrontational gatherings”.
“NIDO Africa also advised nationals to stay in regular contact with family members and community associations to reduce isolation and vulnerability”.
“We further urge Nigerians to cooperate fully with South African law enforcement agencies while ensuring their rights as foreign nationals are respected”.
“Therefore, any threats to life or property should be reported immediately to the South African Police Service and subsequently to the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria. It also cautioned against retaliatory actions, noting that such responses often escalate danger”.
“NIDO Africa call on the Government of the Republic of South Africa to uphold its constitutional and international obligations to protect all persons within its jurisdiction, irrespective of nationality”.
“We describe xenophobia as a violation of human rights and a threat to Pan-African solidarity. NIDO Africa hereby stress that the protection of foreign nationals is essential to maintaining regional stability and continental unity”.
“NIDO Africa also appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, to take immediate diplomatic steps”.
“No doubt, engagement with South African authorities is necessary to guarantee the protection of Nigerian lives and property. NIDO Africa affirmed its commitment to monitoring the situation and engaging international bodies if required”.
“This statement is signed by the Central Executive Committee. We therefore conclude with a call for calm, solidarity, and prudence among Nigerians in South Africa”.
“We reaffirm our mandate to safeguard the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora and pledged to take further action should circumstances demand it”.