The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has urged Nigerians living in South Africa to adhere strictly to safety advisories issued by the Nigerian Consulate General, following a surge in anti-foreigner protests across parts of the country.
The warning follows an official circular from the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg, dated April 22, 2026, which reported that demonstrations in East London, Cape Town, Durban and parts of KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent, leading to looting, destruction of property and injuries.
In a statement released on Friday by its Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM said intelligence from the consulate indicates that further protests are expected in Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29.
The protests are reportedly aimed at pressuring the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals in the country.
NiDCOM advised Nigerians to avoid confrontation with protesters, refrain from engaging in demonstrations, and stay updated through credible local media channels.
“Nigerian nationals are also urged to remain law-abiding at all times,” the statement added.
The commission further urged Nigerian business owners to temporarily shut down their operations to minimise risk.
“It is further advised that Nigerian business owners should close their shops on Freedom Day, April 27, and consider remaining closed on April 28 and 29, as foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during unrest,” the statement said.
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NiDCOM reaffirmed its support for the Consul-General, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, noting that the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg remains fully operational and is working closely with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
It also disclosed that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is engaging with her South African counterpart over the situation.
The development comes weeks after protests in East London linked to the coronation of a traditional leader by Nigeria’s Igbo community sparked tensions, with some groups attacking foreigners and setting properties ablaze.
Fresh incidents of xenophobic attacks against African immigrants have since been reported, with some South Africans demanding that foreign nationals leave the country.
