Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, has reassured that Nigerians living in the country remain safe despite recent xenophobic tensions, saying there is no siege against them and that authorities are managing the situation.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Monday, Ajayi said both the Nigerian and South African governments are working closely to protect lives and maintain order.
He said the immediate priority is the safety and well-being of all residents, including foreign nationals.
Ajayi stated, “Let me first make the point that right now Nigerians are not under siege in South Africa. The situation is currently under control. The governments are working on it.
“The two governments are working on it. Actually, the priority right now is to ensure the safety and well-being of every citizen, including foreigners.”
His comments follow recent anti-immigrant protests and violence reported in parts of South Africa, including Durban, Cape Town and East London, where incidents of looting, assaults on foreign-owned businesses and calls for immigrants to leave were reported.
The envoy described the unrest as isolated tensions rather than a coordinated or direct attack on Nigerians.
He said, “What we have seen is a kind of isolated tension, and that is why it calls for caution.
“But in terms of direct attack or direct siege on Nigerians, that is not taking place right now.”
Ajayi added that South African authorities, including the police commissioner, had publicly warned against xenophobic actions and the targeting of foreigners.
Speaking from Pretoria, he said the capital city remains calm, while Johannesburg is also peaceful.
He noted that the earlier unrest in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly Durban, had been contained, prompting swift intervention from the government.
Ajayi also dismissed a viral social media video claiming Nigerians and other foreigners were denied access to a building, saying those involved do not represent the broader South African population.
He urged Nigerians in the country to remain calm, obey local laws and respect cultural norms.
Earlier, the Federal Government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, advised citizens in South Africa to stay vigilant, remain indoors where necessary and temporarily close businesses in affected areas.
