Oluwatobi Adu 
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigeria Government is considering stronger measures, including possible sanctions against South African businesses operating in the country, in response to recurring attacks and harassment targeting Nigerians living in South Africa.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this on Thursday while expressing concern over persistent xenophobic incidents and the need to protect affected Nigerian citizens.
The minister said Nigeria has exercised considerable restraint through diplomatic engagement but warned that continued attacks could force a reassessment of available options.
“As I indicated before, there are these huge conglomerates. By the way, there are over 120 South African companies operating in Nigeria,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
“Nobody is asking them to provide proof of identity. Nobody is asking South African staff working there whether they are South Africans or Nigerians, and nobody is taking over their shops or businesses.
“But this is happening to Nigerians in South Africa. So, I think that at some point, we really have to review the options available to us.”
The minister cited major South African companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN Nigeria, MultiChoice, Stanbic IBTC and Protea Hotels.
According to her, any retaliatory measures would follow constitutional procedures and require legislative backing if diplomatic efforts fail to yield results.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also disclosed that South Africa had abandoned an early-warning memorandum signed in October 2025 to safeguard citizens of both countries during periods of tension.
The development has intensified concerns about the safety of Nigerians in South Africa and renewed calls for stronger protections against xenophobic attacks.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Korede Abdullah 