The Federal Government has expressed displeasure over the reported ill-treatment of Nigerians in South Africa, insisting that many of its citizens in the country have been unfairly subjected to unjust treatment.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stated this on Monday while briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, adding that the government is considering possible retaliatory measures in response to the alleged xenophobic attacks.
She said any final decision would be taken at the highest levels of government, including the National Assembly.
“Nigeria is not happy because Nigeria has sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence… Nigerians are not happy about how they have treated us,” she said, noting that the matter remains under consideration.
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The Minister, however, clarified that the planned evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa has not been delayed, explaining that the process is ongoing and that only routine formalities were being concluded.
She disclosed that President Tinubu had directed the immediate establishment of a crisis response unit at Nigeria’s Consulate in Johannesburg and the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria.
Ojukwu further explained that evacuation arrangements remain on course, noting that all logistical processes are being finalised to ensure the safe return of affected Nigerians.
Responding to claims by South African authorities that some Nigerians seeking repatriation are illegal migrants, she dismissed the allegation as “false and misleading.”
She maintained that the affected Nigerians are law-abiding residents and business owners who have come under harassment, intimidation and attacks.
“That is absolutely untrue. Our citizens are being harassed… their properties are being looted, and criminal acts are being perpetrated against them,” she said.
The Minister added that several Nigerians have had their businesses vandalised or burnt, while others have been forced to restrict movement due to safety concerns.
She stressed that the evacuation exercise is being coordinated with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to ensure a smooth and orderly return process, as well as post-arrival support for affected citizens.
