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The Nigerian government has advised its citizens who own businesses in South Africa to close their shops on Freedom Day and consider remaining closed for two additional days amid escalating anti-foreigner demonstrations.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), in a statement on Friday, urged Nigerian business owners to “protect their businesses by closing on Freedom Day, April 27, and to consider remaining closed on April 28 and 29,” noting that foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during unrest.
The advisory followed an official circular from the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg dated April 22, which warned that demonstrations in East London, Cape Town, Durban and KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent, leading to “looting, property damage, and injuries.”
According to the consulate’s circular, further protests are scheduled to take place in Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29, with demonstrators intending to “apply pressure on the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals.”
NiDCOM advised all Nigerian citizens to “avoid any confrontation with protesters,” refrain from engaging with demonstration groups, and monitor local media outlets for “real-time safety information.”
The commission said the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg “remains fully operational and is actively coordinating with South African police authorities to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals.”
It also noted that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, “is engaging with the Foreign Affairs Minister in South Africa.”
PRESS STATEMENT:
S/AFRICA UNREST: NiDCOM urges Nigerians to be cautious
Abuja, April 24, 2026:The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has appealed to Nigerians in South Africa to adhere to the advisory issued by the consulate general, warning of escalating anti-foreigner…
— Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (@nidcom_gov) April 25, 2026
