SHETTIMA WARNS SOUTH AFRICA OVER REPEATED ATTACKS ON NIGERIANS

Vice President Kashim Shettima has warned that Nigeria will no longer remain silent over the alleged humiliation, mistreatment and xenophobic attacks suffered by Nigerians living in South Africa.

Shettima issued the warning on Monday while speaking to journalists 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 expressed concern over what he described as recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians, stressing that the Federal Government would not continue to tolerate situations in which Nigerian citizens are subjected to degrading or unacceptable treatment.

According to Shettima, Nigeria has a long history of supporting the liberation struggles of countries in Southern Africa, making the reported treatment of Nigerians particularly painful for the country.

He recalled Nigeria's contribution to the liberation of Southern Africa and said the country expected its citizens to be treated with dignity and respect in South Africa.

Shettima, however, said Nigeria preferred resolving the issue through dialogue rather than confrontation. He explained that the Federal Government would continue to engage South African authorities while making it clear that certain actions against Nigerians were unacceptable.

The Vice President also urged South African authorities to ensure that immigration laws and policies were implemented in a manner that protects human dignity and the lives of foreign nationals.

His remarks followed Nigeria's decision to formally raise concerns over recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa at the African Union level. President Tinubu's administration has asked that the matter be placed on the agenda of the AU's 40th Ordinary Session scheduled for January 2027.

The Federal Government has described the attacks as a threat not only to Nigerians but also to African unity, solidarity and peaceful coexistence among countries on the continent.

Shettima maintained that Nigeria remained committed to maintaining strong relations with South Africa but stressed that such relations should be built on mutual respect and the protection of citizens.

He said Nigeria would continue to pursue diplomatic engagement while insisting that the dignity and safety of Nigerians abroad must be respected.