Xenophobia: Nigeria not happy after all we did for South Africa

By Lawrence Agbo

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has expressed Nigeria’s disappointment over recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, recalling the significant sacrifices the country made during the struggle against apartheid.

Speaking with journalists, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said many Nigerians are unhappy that citizens continue to face hostility in South Africa despite Nigeria’s longstanding support for the country’s liberation movement.

According to her, Nigeria committed substantial resources, financial support and educational opportunities to assist South Africans during their fight for independence and majority rule.

“Nigeria is not happy because Nigeria has sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence. Nigeria sacrificed quite a lot, committed funds, committed resources to aid South Africa,” she said.

The minister noted that Nigeria’s support extended beyond government assistance, as ordinary citizens also actively participated in campaigns against apartheid.

“In schools, seats were reserved for South African students. My own generation, we carried placards. We demonstrated in front of South African assets,” she added.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the sacrifices made by Nigerians during the anti-apartheid struggle reflected a strong sense of African solidarity and a commitment to the freedom of oppressed people across the continent.

Her remarks come amid renewed concerns over the treatment of foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in South Africa, where incidents of xenophobic violence have periodically strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The minister stressed the need for stronger cooperation and mutual respect between both nations, urging that the historical ties forged during the liberation struggle should not be forgotten.

Nigeria and South Africa maintain some of Africa’s most important diplomatic and economic relations, but tensions have occasionally emerged over the safety and treatment of Nigerian citizens living and working in the Southern African nation.