The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has advised Nigerian business owners in South Africa to temporarily shut down their businesses to minimise risks and avoid losses following a fresh wave of anti-foreigner protests in parts of the country.
The commission said the directive was a precautionary measure based on an official circular from the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg (Ref No: CGJHB/AD/209/VOL I), dated April 22, 2026, which indicated that demonstrations in East London, Cape Town, Durban and parts of KwaZulu-Natal had turned violent, resulting in looting, property damage and injuries.
However, NiDCOM ruled out any immediate evacuation plans, noting that such a decision would only be considered if the situation significantly deteriorates.
Speaking with Saturday PUNCH on Friday, the commission’s Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said, “We have told them (Nigerians) to shut down their businesses temporarily and always follow the rules and regulations of their host country.
“It is just an appeal, reminding them of their responsibilities. They are citizens of Nigeria; they have to show leadership, obedience to constituted authority, and project a good image of the country.”
When asked about possible evacuation, Balogun said, “Until that time comes. It must happen before we evacuate. What we are doing for now is to advise Nigerians living in South Africa, and I don’t think the situation will degenerate to that level.”
Earlier in a statement on Friday, NiDCOM disclosed that intelligence from the consulate indicated further protests were being planned in Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29, 2026.
The demonstrations, it said, were aimed at pressuring the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals.
“In response, NiDCOM advises all Nigerian citizens to avoid confrontation with protesters, refrain from engaging with demonstration groups and monitor local media for real-time safety updates. Nigerian nationals are also urged to remain law-abiding at all times,” the statement read.
The commission further advised Nigerian business owners to shut their shops on Freedom Day, April 27, and consider remaining closed on April 28 and 29, as foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during unrest.
NiDCOM reaffirmed its support for the Consul-General, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, noting that the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg remains operational and is working with South African police authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
It also disclosed that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is engaging with her South African counterpart over the situation.
Speaking in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, the President-General of Nigerians in South Africa, Smart Nwobi, said Nigerians have been advised to avoid volatile areas and remain indoors for safety.
He noted that various groups have been targeting migrants on the streets, demanding that they return to their home countries.
It really calls for concern. We have told people to refrain from going to flashpoints or stay indoors. They are taking out their anger on the wrong people instead of holding their government accountable for unemployment and other challenges.
“Different groups are harassing migrants, including Nigerians, telling them to go back to their country,” Nwobi said.
