Nigeria has warned that retaliatory measures against South Africa are under consideration amid rising anti-migrant sentiment targeting Nigerians and other African nationals.
The warning was issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who spoke to journalists on Sunday, according to reporting by Channels Television.
She criticised what she described as increasing hostility towards black African migrants in South Africa, saying Nigerians had made significant sacrifices during the anti-apartheid struggle.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria was deeply concerned about reports of looting and attacks on businesses owned by Nigerians and other migrants, adding that diplomatic options were being weighed.
“Well, that is a situation that we are considering… it’s not off the table,” she said when asked about possible retaliatory steps.
She noted that any decision would require approval at the highest levels of government and legislative input.
The minister also said Nigeria had been engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels while monitoring the safety of its citizens.
Tensions have been rising in parts of South Africa, where protests targeting undocumented migrants have been linked to claims about jobs, crime and public services.
Nigerian authorities have called for stronger protection for citizens abroad and said arrangements are being made for voluntary repatriation of those who wish to return.
More than 1,000 Nigerians may be affected by the ongoing repatriation plan coordinated through the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria.
