The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has advised Nigerian business owners in South Africa to temporarily shut down their businesses following a fresh wave of anti-foreigner protests in parts of the country.
The commission said the directive was a precautionary measure based on an official circular from the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg, which indicated that demonstrations in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal had turned violent, leading to looting, property damage, and injuries.
Despite the rising tension, NiDCOM ruled out any immediate evacuation of Nigerians, stating that such a move would only be considered if the situation worsens significantly.
Speaking on Friday, the commission’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said Nigerians had been urged to temporarily close their businesses and comply with the laws of their host country.
He described the directive as an appeal, noting that Nigerians must act responsibly and project a positive image of the country.
NiDCOM had earlier disclosed that intelligence reports from the consulate indicated plans for further protests in Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29, 2026, with demonstrators seeking to pressure the government over the presence of foreign nationals.
The commission advised Nigerians to avoid confrontations, stay away from protest areas, and monitor local media for safety updates, while remaining law-abiding at all times.
It also urged business owners to shut their shops on Freedom Day on April 27 and consider remaining closed on April 28 and 29, as 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 Nigerians. It also noted that Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is engaging her South African counterpart over the situation.
The President-General of Nigerians in South Africa, Smart Nwobi, also urged Nigerians to avoid volatile areas and remain indoors, warning that some groups have been targeting migrants and demanding they return to their home countries.
He called on the Nigerian government, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to intervene and engage South African authorities to address the situation.
The development follows recent unrest linked to tensions over foreign nationals, including earlier protests in East London that led to attacks on migrants and destruction of property.
Fresh reports and videos circulating online have shown incidents of harassment and assault targeting African immigrants, with some protesters demanding that foreign nationals leave the country.
Meanwhile, residents of Mthatha in Eastern Cape Province are expected to stage further protests over concerns about the presence of foreigners and limited job opportunities for locals.
