Nigerian vice-presidential candidate Peter Obi held talks with South African ministers to address xenophobic violence against Nigerian nationals in South Africa.
Periodic attacks on foreign African migrants in South Africa have strained diplomatic relations with Nigeria, which maintains one of the largest diaspora populations in the country.
Obi, a prominent Nigerian politician, met ministers to press for protective measures, accountability for perpetrators, and policies reducing targeted violence. Xenophobic incidents often involve looting, assault, and displacement of immigrant-owned businesses.
Bilateral discussions cover law enforcement cooperation, consular assistance, and public messaging against hate violence. Nigeria has previously evacuated citizens or issued travel advisories after major outbreaks in South African cities.
The meetings aimed to reduce harm to Nigerians living and working in South Africa amid recurring social tensions linked to unemployment and nationalist rhetoric, while both governments seek to preserve economic and political ties.
Obi’s diplomatic push came as Nigerian community leaders documented property damage and assaults targeting foreign-owned businesses in several South African cities.
Nigerian diaspora groups in Johannesburg have documented shop attacks they attribute to xenophobic mobs targeting foreign African business owners.
Obi said diplomatic engagement was necessary because sporadic attacks had disrupted Nigerian-owned businesses in South Africa.
South African ministers did not immediately comment on the meeting outcomes.
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News Headlines May 24, 2026. Headlines From Nigeria’s Major Newspapers