Trending 
A South African delegation, led by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, has held high-level talks with the Nigerian government on security, migration and bilateral relations as both countries seek to ease tensions over crime, xenophobia and other contentious issues.
The diplomatic mission concluded with both countries reaffirming their commitment to closer cooperation while acknowledging issues that have strained ties in recent months.
The spokesperson of the South African Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Chrispin Phiri, said in a statement that Lamola delivered an official message from President Cyril Ramaphosa to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had appointed a high-level Nigerian delegation to meet Lamola’s team.
According to Phiri, the talks focused on “restoring mutual goodwill and strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.”
The diplomatic engagement follows renewed tensions arising from disputes over crime involving some Nigerian nationals in South Africa, allegations of xenophobic attacks and controversy surrounding the reported installation of an “Igbo King” in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province.
Lamola identified three major issues that have heightened tensions between Pretoria and Abuja.
The first concerned the purported installation of an unrecognised traditional ruler, titled an ‘Igbo King’, in the Eastern Cape Province in March 2026. The second issue related to crime involving some foreign nationals. The third issue centred on attacks against law enforcement officers and criminal networks occupying hijacked buildings.
Lamola said the development generated widespread concern because it occurred “while South Africa is actively consolidating the constitutional role of traditional leadership in a post-apartheid society.”
Pretoria said concerns had been raised over the involvement of certain foreign nationals, including Nigerian citizens, in organised crime, illicit drug trafficking, and financial fraud.
According to Lamola, “as of July 7, 2026, more than 500 Nigerian nationals had been processed through the South African criminal justice system for various offences,” a development he said reflects the need for stronger cross-border security cooperation.
Lamola said authorities were concerned about “instances where law enforcement officers faced violent resistance or obstruction during criminal investigations,” particularly in hijacked residential and commercial buildings in areas such as Hillbrow in Johannesburg and Sunnyside in Pretoria.
He warned that such developments had damaged perceptions of Nigerians living in South Africa.
“Regrettably, these incidents have fueled negative perceptions surrounding Nigerian nationals living in South Africa over the years. Addressing these challenges firmly, fairly, and within the bounds of the law is vital for the well-being of both our nations,” Lamola said.
The South African government said both delegations reviewed the arrests and prosecution of more than 500 Nigerians. Lamola stressed that the operations targeted criminal suspects rather than the wider Nigerian community.
“These law enforcement measures are evidence-based, targeting individual criminal conduct rather than profiling the broader, law-abiding Nigerian diaspora,” the statement said.
Despite raising concerns over crime, the South African government reiterated that criminality should not be used to justify attacks on foreign nationals.
Lamola also reaffirmed Pretoria’s position against xenophobia.
“The South African government unequivocally condemns all forms of xenophobia, racism, discrimination, and related intolerance,” he said.
He added that although South Africa would continue to crack down on crime, “public frustration or criminal activity can never be used to justify vigilante violence, intimidation, or attacks against foreign nationals.”
The meeting follows months of heightened diplomatic engagement between Africa’s two largest economies over recurring concerns about xenophobic violence, migration, organised crime and the welfare of citizens living in each other’s countries.
Nigeria and South Africa maintain one of the continent’s most significant strategic partnerships, with extensive trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
However, relations have periodically been strained by outbreaks of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, particularly Nigerians, as well as disputes over criminality and migration.
