The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government (FG) to take immediate action to safeguard Nigerian students in South Africa following a surge in xenophobic tensions.
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In a statement released on Wednesday by its Vice President for External Affairs, Aneke Kenechukwu, the association expressed grave concern over what it described as a “disturbing pattern of hostility and targeted attacks against foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians and other Africans”.
According to NANS, the situation has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among Nigerian students residing in South Africa, warning that the escalating violence poses a direct threat to lives and undermines the ideals of African unity and cooperation.
“Nigerian students in South Africa now live in fear and uncertainty. As young ambassadors and future leaders of our nation, their protection must be treated as a national emergency,” the statement read.
The student body urged the Federal Government to engage South African authorities through urgent diplomatic channels to secure firm guarantees for the safety of Nigerian citizens, especially students. It also called for the activation of monitoring mechanisms to track developments and ensure that perpetrators of xenophobic violence are held accountable.
In addition, NANS appealed for immediate support for affected students, including the provision of safe shelters, emergency hotlines, and financial assistance where necessary. The association further recommended the development of a coordinated evacuation plan for Nigerian students willing to return home, noting that such measures could reduce exposure to life-threatening risks.
“Diplomacy remains the most responsible path, but it must be proactive, firm, and result-oriented. Nigerian lives must not be left to bureaucratic delay,” the statement added.
The group also emphasised the need for collaboration between the government, NANS, Nigerian diplomatic missions, and international partners to ensure that no Nigerian student is left vulnerable.
Recent reports indicate that xenophobic protests have intensified in parts of South Africa, particularly in Pretoria and other urban centres, where migrants have reportedly faced harassment, violence, and threats. Some accounts suggest that protesters have even targeted schools, attempting to prevent children of foreign nationals from attending classes.
The unrest has reportedly led to fatalities, including two Nigerians, heightening concern within the diaspora and prompting renewed calls for decisive government intervention.
While Nigeria’s acting ambassador to South Africa has maintained that the situation is under control, Cyril Ramaphosa has urged foreign nationals to respect local laws, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to upholding human rights.
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