The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has urged Nigerians living in South Africa to exercise caution and comply with safety advisories issued by the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg following renewed anti-foreigner protests in parts of the country.
According to a circular dated April 22, 2026, demonstrations in East London, Cape Town, Durban and KwaZulu-Natal reportedly turned violent, resulting in looting, destruction of property and injuries.
The commission said intelligence reports also indicated that further protests are being planned in Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29, with demonstrators seeking to pressure the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals.
NiDCOM advised Nigerians to avoid confrontations with protesters, stay away from demonstration areas and closely monitor local media for updates on security developments. It also urged all Nigerian nationals to remain law-abiding.
The commission further warned Nigerian business owners to shut their shops on South Africa’s Freedom Day on April 27, and consider extending closure through April 28 and 29, noting that foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during periods of unrest.
NiDCOM said the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg remains fully operational and is working with South African police authorities to safeguard Nigerians in the country. It added that Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, is engaging with her South African counterpart over the situation.
