Nigerians Told to Stay Indoors in S/Africa as Xenophobic Attacks Escalate
Last update: April 24, 2026
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NiDCOM urges Nigerians in South Africa to shut shops over Xenophobic attacks...
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to shut their businesses and avoid confrontations as xenophobic attacks escalate in parts of the country.
CBI News reports that the advisory follows rising anti-foreigner protests, with demonstrators targeting foreign-owned shops and calling for the expulsion of non-nationals.
In one of the videos circulating online, a Nigerian trader was seen being confronted by a group of South African men, who ordered him to pack up his goods and leave the country.
The development has heightened fears among Nigerians and other foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, many of whom depend on small businesses for their livelihood.
NiDCOM, in a statement made available on Friday, said the directive was based on a circular issued by the Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg.
According to the commission, protests in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent, leading to looting, destruction of property, and injuries.
The commission added that intelligence reports indicate fresh protests are planned in Gauteng between April 27 and 29.
NiDCOM urged Nigerians to avoid protest areas, refrain from engaging with demonstrators, and monitor local media for updates on the evolving situation.
It also advised Nigerian business owners to shut their shops on April 27, marked as Freedom Day, and consider remaining closed on April 28 and 29, noting that foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during such unrest.
The commission said it supports the position of the Consul-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, adding that the mission remains operational and is working with South African police authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
NiDCOM further disclosed that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Onoh, is engaging with her South African counterpart over the situation.
