Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has rejected claims that Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa are illegal immigrants.
His comments come amid reports of a string of attacks on foreign-owned businesses linked to protests over illegal immigration, a situation that has raised tensions across the continent.
Many African countries, including Ghana, have begun evacuating their citizens as concerns over security continue to grow.
Speaking to the media on Monday, June 8, the minister stressed that many of the affected Nigerians are legally resident in South Africa and engaged in legitimate businesses.
He argued that the violence and intimidation experienced by Nigerians cannot be justified on the basis of immigration status.
The minister further said that businesses of many Nigerians have been attacked, while some families are reportedly living in fear due to the unrest.
According to him, children of Nigerian immigrants have also been affected by the stress.
He stressed, “People who are doing legitimate business have had their shops looted, their shops have been set on fire. Children cannot go to school because they are intimidated in schools. So, to say that Nigerians who are doing legitimate business in South Africa are illegal immigrants is absolutely false.”
Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu also expressed disappointment over South Africa's handling of the situation, citing Nigeria's historical support for the country's anti-apartheid struggle.
He disclosed that the Nigerian government, through its diplomatic missions in South Africa, has activated a crisis response mechanism and is coordinating evacuation efforts for citizens wishing to return home.
The minister said the repatriation exercise is being carried out in collaboration with the country's emergency management authorities to ensure that affected Nigerians are returned safely and assisted upon arrival.