South Africa Unrest: NiDCOM Urges Nigerians to Adhere to Consular Advisory

Abuja, Nigeria | April 24, 2026

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has urged Nigerians residing in South Africa to strictly adhere to safety advisories issued by the Nigerian Consulate, following reports of escalating anti-foreigner protests in parts of the country.

The appeal follows an official circular from the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, which indicated that demonstrations in major cities including East London, Cape Town, Durban, and KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent, resulting in looting, property damage, and injuries.

According to the advisory, further protests are expected to take place in Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29, 2026, with demonstrators reportedly seeking to pressure the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals.

NiDCOM emphasized the importance of vigilance and compliance with all safety directives, urging Nigerians to remain law-abiding and avoid areas where protests are ongoing or anticipated.

The Commission also disclosed that Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, is actively engaging with her South African counterpart as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the situation and ensure the safety of Nigerian citizens.

The advisory underscores the Federal Government’s concern over the welfare of Nigerians abroad and highlights continued diplomatic engagement aimed at de-escalating tensions and safeguarding lives and property.