Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on South African authorities to take steps to end the humiliation and mistreatment of Nigerians living in the country, warning that Nigeria will no longer remain silent over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
Shettima made the remarks on Monday in Luanda, Angola, shortly before departing for Nigeria after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
The Vice President said Nigeria remained committed to resolving its concerns with South Africa through dialogue and peaceful engagement, but stressed that the dignity and safety of Nigerians must be protected.
Shettima recalled Nigeria's historical contribution to the liberation struggle in Southern Africa, saying the country's role in supporting the liberation of countries in the region made the reported treatment of Nigerians particularly painful.
He said the Nigerian government and people would no longer accept situations in which its citizens were dehumanised or subjected to degrading treatment.
However, the Vice President emphasised that Nigeria was not seeking confrontation with South Africa. He said both countries should engage in robust discussions to resolve their differences while making it clear whenever particular actions become unacceptable.
Shettima also urged South African authorities to ensure that the enforcement of immigration laws does not violate the rights, dignity or safety of Nigerians and other African nationals living in the country.
The Vice President's comments followed Nigeria's decision to formally raise concerns about recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks at the African Union summit.
Nigeria has requested that the issue be placed on the agenda of the 40th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly scheduled for January 2027, arguing that attacks against African nationals threaten continental solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence.
The latest development comes amid longstanding concerns over the treatment of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, including incidents linked to xenophobia and immigration enforcement.
The Nigerian government is expected to continue diplomatic engagement with Pretoria and other relevant authorities as it seeks stronger protection for Nigerians in South Africa.
Shettima's intervention reinforces Abuja's position that immigration laws should be enforced within the framework of respect for human rights and dignity, while maintaining diplomatic relations between the two countries.
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