The Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocol of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abdulrahman Balogun, has defended Nigeria’s long-standing diplomatic approach to recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, while acknowledging frustration over repeated failures to secure lasting protection for citizens abroad.
Speaking on frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102,5 fm Ilese-Ijebu, Balogun maintained diplomacy remains Nigeria’s preferred route in addressing the crisis, insisting there is no alternative pathway that guarantees sustainable resolution despite renewed violence and reports of killings
“Let me just say here that there is no end to the diplomacy. We’ll continue to discuss it.”
Balogun revisited the history of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements with South Africa, describing the situation as “quite appalling” and “very unfortunate,” noting that the attacks have persisted intermittently since the post-apartheid era.
“I mean, from 1994, we’ve been having this attack up and down. And governments from that time have been trying to find a lasting solution to this problem,” he said.
He referenced multiple waves of violence recorded in 2000, 2009, 2014, 2019 and beyond, stressing that successive Nigerian administrations have attempted interventions ranging from high-level diplomatic visits to parliamentary engagements.
According to him, efforts included missions led by then Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and other federal delegations, as well as diplomatic engagements involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and South African authorities.
Balogun recalled that an early warning mechanism Memorandum of Understanding was reportedly reached between both countries but said implementation has remained weak.
He also noted that even presidential engagements, including visits and apologies by South African leadership, have not translated into sustained protection for Nigerians.
Pressed on whether diplomatic engagement has been effective given repeated attacks, Balogun disclosed that Nigeria has recorded over 100 deaths of citizens in South Africa over time.
“Since we came on board in 2019, we must have recorded over 100 Nigerians killed in all kinds of attacks in South Africa.”
He, however, clarified that the most recent incident involved fewer confirmed deaths but maintained that the broader pattern remains deeply troubling.
Balogun also addressed suggestions of reciprocal sanctions, including proposals by political actors such as Adams Oshiomhole.
While acknowledging the emotional appeal of such measures, he warned against economic retaliation that could harm Nigeria’s own interests, citing multinational corporations operating across both countries.
“So if you shut it down, Nigeria will be more affected and we will hurt ourselves economically, even here in Nigeria.”
On accountability and justice, the NIDCOM spokesperson expressed concern over what he described as a lack of political will in South Africa to prosecute perpetrators of attacks against Nigerians and other African migrants.
“I am not aware of any of those single cases that the perpetrators have been killed, punished or reprimanded for that unfortunate behavior.”
Balogun further revealed that Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements continue at multiple levels, including recent meetings between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and the South African High Commission in Abuja. He said key demands include investigation, prosecution of offenders, protection of Nigerian citizens, and full implementation of existing bilateral agreements.
On evacuation efforts, he confirmed that about 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary return following renewed unrest, noting that most affected citizens are informal sector workers such as traders, artisans, and service providers.
“Those are the people that are majorly affected,” he said, adding that evacuation remains voluntary and coordinated through Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in South Africa.
He explained that past evacuations from crisis zones such as Sudan, Libya, Ukraine, and Lebanon followed similar frameworks, relying on voluntary registration and inter-agency coordination, often supported by private sector partners and humanitarian organisations.
Despite criticism that diplomacy has failed to end recurring violence, Balogun maintained that engagement remains ongoing and multi-layered, spanning executive, parliamentary, and diplomatic channels.
“Things are going on. Not all these diplomatic shuttles are there in the public space for people to know, but things are going on.”
He concluded by reiterating that while frustration is understandable, Nigeria’s strategy continues to prioritize negotiation, regional diplomacy, and institutional cooperation over confrontation.
While acknowledging the persistence of xenophobic violence and the pain of repeated losses, Balogun maintains that sustained dialogue, multilateral intervention through African institutions, and enforcement of bilateral agreements remain the most viable path toward long-term resolution.
