Nigeria says it will continue to pursue diplomatic solutions in addressing attacks on its citizens in South Africa, despite growing demands for retaliatory measures against the South African government and its interests.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaye, disclosed this on Tuesday after briefing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on his recent engagement with South Africa’s Foreign Minister, Ronald Lamola.
Enikanolaye said President Tinubu supports continued dialogue and negotiations but noted that Nigeria still has other options if diplomatic efforts fail to secure the safety and protection of Nigerians living in South Africa. He stressed that Nigeria is not powerless and that all possible measures remain available, although the government prefers a peaceful resolution that protects the lives and property of its citizens.
The minister rejected suggestions that only undocumented Nigerians are affected by the attacks, saying every Nigerian deserves protection regardless of their immigration status. He said both countries agreed on the need to urgently strengthen existing cooperation frameworks, including the Early Warning Mechanism and the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission, to prevent future incidents.
Enikanolaye also revealed that more than 1,490 Nigerians have so far been evacuated from South Africa, while acknowledging that many others remain willing to return home. He credited President Tinubu for supporting the evacuation process and said the government is also documenting losses suffered by affected Nigerians as part of ongoing discussions with South African authorities.
The minister added that compensation claims will be considered based on verified reports of damages, noting that engagements between both countries will continue until outstanding issues are resolved.
