The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has appealed to Nigerians in South Africa to adhere to the advisory issued by the consulate general, warning of escalating anti-foreigner demonstrations across the country. The warning followed an official circular from the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg (Ref No: CGJHB/AD/209/ VOL I) dated April 22, 2026.

According to the circular, demonstrations in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent, leading to looting, property damage, and injuries.

The Consulate noted that further protests are scheduled to take place in the Gauteng Province, between April 27 and 29, 2026, with demonstrators intending to apply pressure on the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals.

In response to these threats, NiDCOM has advised all Nigerian citizens to avoid any confrontation with protesters, refrain from engaging with demonstration groups, and monitor local media outlets for real-time safety information.

“Nigerian nationals are also urged to remain law-abiding always. Nigerian business owners were warned to protect their businesses by closing on Freedom Day, April 27, and to consider remaining closed on April 28 and 29, as foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during unrest.

While fully endorsing the position of the Consul-Gen- eral, Amb. Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, as the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg, remains fully operational and is actively coordinating with South African police authorities to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals.

According to NIDCOM’s Head of Media and Protocols Unit, AbdulRahman Balogun, the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Amb Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is engaging with the Foreign Affairs Minister in South Africa to explore ways of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians in that country.