The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has raised fresh concerns over the deteriorating xenophobic violence in South Africa, warning that Nigerian citizens and other black immigrants are facing increasing threats to their safety and livelihoods.

NiDCOM urged the South African government to take immediate and visible steps to curb the attacks and protect Nigerians.

It expressed disappointment that earlier diplomatic efforts between Nigeria and South Africa had not yielded the expected calm.

“While many expected a de-escalation of tensions following earlier engagements between both governments, the situation on the ground is deteriorating,” its Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said in a statement issued on April 29, 2026.

According to the agency, disturbing reports indicate that Nigerians are increasingly living in fear, with daily activities severely disrupted.

“Reports reaching the Commission indicate that pupils of Nigerian descent are now scared to attend school. Genuine business owners are afraid to open their shops for fear of targeted attacks, looting, and harassment,” it added.

The statement further revealed that community leaders had documented new incidents of violence and intimidation within the last 72 hours, signaling a worrying trend.

‘Crime Has No Nationality’

The commission condemned the stereotyping of Nigerians, stressing that criminality should not be linked to nationality.

“We state clearly that NIDCOM rejects the profiling and generalisation of all Nigerians. Crime has no nationality,” it stated.

The agency called on South African authorities to ensure that individuals involved in crimes were prosecuted without resorting to collective punishment or xenophobic targeting.

To address the crisis, NIDCOM outlined key demands, including increased police presence in affected communities, swift prosecution of perpetrators, and the establishment of a joint Nigeria–South Africa safety forum involving stakeholders from both countries.

The commission also urged South African authorities to publicly condemn xenophobia and discourage harmful stereotypes, while advising Nigerians in the country to remain law-abiding and avoid high-risk areas.

Renewed Attacks

There have been periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence in the Southern African nation, often targeting African migrants, including Nigerians.

There have also been growing fears within immigrant communities, even as diplomatic channels remain active between both nations.

However, the acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa had on Monday stated that Nigerians were “not under siege”.

But NiDCOM confirmed that it was in constant communication with Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria, the Consulate in Johannesburg, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to monitor developments and coordinate responses.

While commending South Africans who continue to coexist peacefully with foreign nationals, the commission emphasised the need for restraint and respect for human life.

“Nigeria will continue to work diplomatically with South Africa to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of our citizens abroad,” NiDCOM added.