Vice President Kashim Shettima has warned that Nigeria will no longer tolerate the mistreatment of its citizens in South Africa. He spoke on Monday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the African Union summit in Luanda, Angola.
Shettima said Nigeria could no longer ignore recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa. The Vice President spoke to journalists shortly before leaving Luanda for Nigeria. His Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, later issued a statement on his remarks.
Shettima condemns attacks on Nigerians
The statement was titled, ‘VP Shettima: Why South Africans Must Rethink Xenophobic, Afrophobic Attacks.’
Shettima said the Federal Government would continue to protect Nigerians living abroad. He also stressed that the country would not accept the humiliation of its citizens.
“The government and people of Nigeria will no longer countenance a situation whereby our people are dehumanised and put into very, very unacceptable situations,” Nkwocha quoted the Vice President as saying.
Shettima also reminded South Africans of Nigeria’s role in the liberation struggles across Southern Africa. He said Nigeria supported the fight against apartheid and colonial rule in the region. Therefore, he said the mistreatment of Nigerians was particularly painful.
“Those whose palm kernels were cracked by benevolent spirits should learn to be humble.
“We were part of the struggle for the liberation of our brothers and sisters in Southern Africa, and we feel personally pained that our people have been picked up for humiliation.”
Nigeria prefers dialogue with South Africa
Despite his strong criticism, Shettima said Nigeria still preferred dialogue with South Africa. He explained that the Federal Government wanted to maintain constructive relations with its South African counterpart. However, he warned that Nigeria would speak firmly when necessary.
“We believe in having very robust conversations with our South African brothers.
“We don’t want to overheat the polity, but once in a while, you have to make it very clear, vehemently clear, that certain situations are unacceptable, and we’ll work things out.”
The Vice President also urged South African authorities to protect lives and respect human dignity. He said immigration laws should not become a reason to humiliate or attack foreign nationals.
Nigeria raises attacks at AU summit
Shettima’s comments followed Nigeria’s decision to formally raise the issue at the African Union summit. The Nigerian delegation delivered a message on behalf of President Tinubu during the meeting. It also asked the AU to address the recurring attacks against Nigerians.
Nigeria requested that the matter be placed on the agenda of the AU’s 40th Ordinary Session. The session is scheduled to take place in January 2027. The Federal Government considers the attacks more than a bilateral issue between Nigeria and South Africa.
Shettima said recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic incidents could damage African unity. He also warned that such attacks could undermine peaceful coexistence across the continent. The Vice President has since returned to Nigeria after the conclusion of the summit.
