Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has condemned the reported xenophobic attacks and discriminatory treatment of Nigerians in South Africa, stressing that the relationship between both countries should be guided by mutual respect and fairness.
The minister made the remarks during an interview from 13:12 on TVC News, on Wednesday, 17 June, 2026, while reacting to reports of renewed hostility towards foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in parts of South Africa.
Speaking on Nigeria’s longstanding openness to South African businesses, Odumegwu-Ojukwu questioned the basis for the treatment of Nigerians, noting that South African companies continue to operate freely in Nigeria without facing similar scrutiny.
“There are over 120 South African companies operating in Nigeria. Nobody is asking them to provide proof of identity. Nobody is asking South African staff who go to work there whether they are South Africans or Nigerians, and nobody is taking over their shops,” she said.
The minister argued that Nigeria has consistently provided a welcoming environment for South African investors and expects the same level of respect and protection for Nigerians living and working in South Africa.