The accusation came during high-level bilateral talks held in Abuja on July 27, where diplomats from both countries met to address renewed concerns over attacks on African immigrants and the deteriorating security situation affecting foreign nationals living in South Africa.
The meeting was convened amid increasing reports of protests and violence directed at undocumented migrants, many of whom are citizens of other African countries, including Nigeria.
During the discussions, Nigerian officials reportedly expressed strong concern over what they described as Pretoria’s failure to adequately prevent repeated attacks on African migrants.
According to the Nigerian delegation, recurring incidents of xenophobic violence have created fear among foreign nationals and threaten the longstanding diplomatic and economic relationship between Africa’s two largest economies.
The officials argued that stronger action is required to protect law-abiding migrants and prevent further violence against African nationals residing in South Africa.
Responding to Nigeria’s concerns, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, defended his country’s right to enforce immigration laws and combat criminal activities linked to undocumented foreign nationals.
Lamola maintained that South Africa remains committed to addressing illegal immigration while ensuring that law enforcement actions comply with the country’s legal framework.
Following the meeting, he described the discussions as
candid, constructive and forward-looking, adding that both countries focused on rebuilding trust and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The minister emphasized that South Africa distinguishes between legitimate immigration enforcement and unlawful acts of violence against foreign nationals.
The latest diplomatic exchange revives a longstanding issue that has periodically strained relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
Over the past two decades, South Africa has experienced several outbreaks of xenophobic violence in which foreign-owned businesses were looted, properties destroyed, and migrants assaulted or killed.
Nigerians have frequently been among those affected, prompting repeated diplomatic interventions by the Nigerian government and calls from civil society organizations for stronger protections for African migrants.
Successive Nigerian administrations have condemned the attacks, arguing that they undermine the ideals of African unity, regional integration, and the principles of the African Union.
South African authorities have consistently maintained that efforts to tackle illegal immigration and crime should not be interpreted as hostility toward foreigners.
However, critics argue that political rhetoric surrounding undocumented migration has, at times, contributed to public hostility against migrants, making them vulnerable during periods of economic hardship and social unrest.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly called on the South African government to ensure that immigration enforcement does not fuel discrimination or collective punishment against foreign communities.
Nigeria and South Africa remain two of Africa’s most influential political and economic powers, with extensive cooperation in trade, diplomacy, peacekeeping, and continental development initiatives.
Despite periodic tensions over xenophobic incidents, both governments have continued to emphasize dialogue as the preferred mechanism for resolving disputes and preserving their strategic partnership.
Analysts believe the Abuja meeting represents another effort by both countries to prevent renewed diplomatic friction while addressing legitimate concerns about migrant safety, immigration enforcement, and regional cooperation.
The outcome of the discussions is expected to influence future engagements between the two governments as they seek to balance national security priorities with the protection of the rights and dignity of African migrants living across the continent
