The Federal Government has indicated that it may consider reviewing the operations of South African companies in Nigeria if continued xenophobic attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa persist.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this on Thursday while addressing concerns over the growing harassment and attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa.
The minister said Nigeria has so far exercised restraint and pursued diplomatic engagement with South African authorities but warned that the government may be forced to explore other options if the situation does not improve.
According to her, more than 120 South African companies currently operate in Nigeria across various sectors of the economy.
“As I indicated before, there are these huge conglomerates. By the way, there are over 120 South African companies operating in Nigeria,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that South African businesses and employees in Nigeria continue to operate without facing the type of scrutiny and hostility reportedly directed at Nigerians residing in South Africa.
She cited major South African-owned companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN Group, MultiChoice, Stanbic IBTC, and Protea Hotels.
“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,” she stated.
The minister stressed that any retaliatory or regulatory action would have to comply with Nigeria’s constitutional framework and legal procedures.
She explained that the Federal Government remains committed to diplomatic solutions while the National Assembly would have a constitutional role to play should stronger measures become necessary.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also revealed that South African authorities had reportedly abandoned a memorandum of understanding signed with Nigeria in October 2025 on an early warning mechanism designed to protect citizens of both countries during periods of tension and conflict.
According to her, the agreement was intended to safeguard lives and properties of Nigerians and South Africans whenever crises emerged.
The minister expressed concern about reports that some Nigerians, including those married to South Africans and raising families there, are being pressured to leave the country.
“When your citizens are being harassed, when your citizens are people who have spent years there, and mind you, some of them are married to South Africans and have children who have known no other home but South Africa, then it becomes a serious concern,” she said.
The latest comments come amid growing calls from Nigerian political leaders for stronger action against persistent xenophobic attacks.
In May, Adams Oshiomhole urged the Federal Government to revoke the licences of South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria, including MTN and MultiChoice, following renewed attacks on Nigerians.
The National Assembly has also condemned the incidents and called on the government to intensify diplomatic efforts and implement measures aimed at protecting Nigerian citizens abroad.
As diplomatic engagements continue, the Federal Government maintains that the welfare and safety of Nigerians living overseas remain a priority, while monitoring developments in South Africa and evaluating possible responses if the attacks persist.
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