Tinubu declines South African envoy amid dispute over delayed security pact, renewed calls for justice for victims, and demands for compensation over decades of anti-Nigerian violence.
By Umar Baba
Abuja, Nigeria — August 2, 2026
Diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa have entered another tense phase as the Federal Government renewed demands for compensation for Nigerian victims of xenophobic attacks, accusing Pretoria of failing to honour commitments aimed at protecting foreign nationals.
The renewed pressure follows South Africa’s failure to ratify a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on an Early Warning Mechanism, signed nearly one year ago to strengthen cooperation on citizen protection, security coordination and crisis prevention.
The dispute has intensified after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly declined to receive a special envoy from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, a move widely interpreted as a diplomatic signal of Nigeria’s growing frustration over the continued attacks on its citizens and the absence of meaningful accountability.
Official figures indicate that at least 98 Nigerians have been killed in xenophobic attacks in South Africa since 2022, while hundreds have lost businesses, homes and livelihoods, reviving concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in Africa’s most industrialised economy.
Nigeria Renews Compensation Demand
The Nigerian government insists that victims of repeated xenophobic attacks deserve compensation for lives lost and property destroyed over the years.
Government officials argue that compensation is not merely a financial issue but a matter of justice, accountability and international responsibility.
The Federal Government maintains that Nigeria has consistently sought diplomatic solutions through bilateral engagements but has seen limited progress in securing restitution for affected citizens.
Officials also argue that ratification of the bilateral security agreement would have strengthened legal and diplomatic mechanisms for addressing such claims.
Security Agreement Yet to Be Ratified
At the heart of the diplomatic disagreement is the Memorandum of Understanding on the Early Warning Mechanism, signed in Abuja on October 22, 2025.
The agreement was endorsed by:
- South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka.
- Nigeria’s then Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who now serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The agreement was designed to:
- Improve intelligence sharing.
- Monitor emerging threats.
- Protect citizens of both countries.
- Enhance consular cooperation.
- Establish rapid communication channels during crises.
- Facilitate responses to attacks on citizens and businesses.
Nearly a year after its signing, Nigerian officials say South Africa has yet to complete the ratification process required for implementation.
According to diplomatic sources, Pretoria has also declined requests to compensate Nigerians affected by previous attacks, citing provisions of its immigration laws.
Tinubu Declines South African Envoy
The disagreement reportedly reached a new diplomatic low when President Tinubu declined to receive a South African delegation led by the country’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola.
The development occurred shortly after the death of Chika Ibe, a Nigerian citizen who reportedly died while in police custody in Cape Town.
Diplomatic sources say Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu advised against the meeting, insisting that South Africa should first ratify the bilateral agreement and demonstrate stronger commitment to protecting Nigerians before further high-level engagements.
The decision has been interpreted by analysts as one of Nigeria’s strongest diplomatic protests against South Africa in recent years.
A Pattern of Repeated Xenophobic Violence
Officials say the latest dispute reflects a much deeper and longstanding crisis.
According to available records, xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa have occurred repeatedly since 1995, with major outbreaks recorded in:
- 1995
- 1998
- 2006
- 2015
- 2016
- 2019
- 2021
- 2024
- 2026
The recurring violence has disproportionately affected African migrants, including thousands of Nigerians involved in business, education and professional services.
Successive Nigerian governments have repeatedly condemned the attacks while demanding stronger action from South African authorities.
98 Nigerians Killed Since 2022
The latest figures presented by Nigerian officials indicate that 98 Nigerians have lost their lives in xenophobic and hate-related attacks since 2022.
Beyond the fatalities, many others have reportedly suffered:
- Destruction of businesses.
- Loss of personal property.
- Physical assaults.
- Forced displacement.
- Psychological trauma.
The Nigerian government has so far facilitated the evacuation of approximately 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa, although officials acknowledge that many citizens still wish to return home.
Some evacuation efforts were reportedly supported by private individuals and community organisations.
Questions Over Nigeria’s Domestic Response
The crisis has also generated scrutiny within Nigeria.
Observers have questioned the absence of a comprehensive legislative response by the National Assembly despite years of attacks on Nigerian citizens abroad.
Diplomatic sources further alleged that several Nigerian lawmakers own significant investments and property in South Africa, claims that have fuelled public debate about whether economic interests have influenced the country’s official response.
These allegations have not been independently verified.
South Africa Defends Its Position
South African authorities reject suggestions that they condone xenophobic violence.
Minister Ronald Lamola has repeatedly stated that his government opposes:
- Xenophobia.
- Racism.
- Violence against foreign nationals.
He insists South Africa has a sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws while maintaining that law enforcement agencies have arrested suspects connected with recent attacks and initiated criminal prosecutions.
Pretoria also maintains that efforts continue to strengthen public safety and prevent further violence.
Areas of Continuing Cooperation
Despite growing diplomatic tensions, officials from both countries have agreed to pursue several areas of cooperation.
These include:
- Reducing inflammatory public rhetoric.
- Improving migration management.
- Strengthening security collaboration.
- Accelerating implementation of the Early Warning Mechanism.
- Preparing for the next Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission meeting.
Diplomatic observers believe these initiatives could help rebuild trust if implemented effectively.
Nigeria’s Position Remains Unchanged
The Federal Government says its core demands remain clear:
- Immediate ratification of the Early Warning Mechanism.
- Compensation for Nigerians who suffered documented losses.
- Improved protection of Nigerian citizens irrespective of immigration status.
- Thorough investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of xenophobic violence.
- Full reactivation of the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission.
Officials argue that meaningful action—not diplomatic assurances—will determine the future direction of bilateral relations.
The renewed diplomatic confrontation between Nigeria and South Africa highlights the enduring challenge of protecting African migrants within the continent while preserving strategic bilateral relations.
With 98 Nigerians reportedly killed since 2022, Abuja’s demand for compensation and stronger legal safeguards reflects growing public pressure for accountability and justice.
Whether Pretoria responds by ratifying the delayed security agreement and addressing Nigeria’s concerns could shape not only the future of relations between Africa’s two largest economies but also the continent’s broader commitment to regional integration, human rights and the protection of migrant communities.
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