The Nigerian Government says it is weighing diplomatic and economic options in response to the ongoing attacks and intimidation of Nigerians in South Africa, while prioritising dialogue and African solidarity over immediate retaliatory measures.
Speaking in an interview with Voice of Nigeria Correspondent, Margaret Ebeshi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the government is compiling data on Nigerian-owned businesses affected by the unrest to facilitate compensation claims against the South African Government.
According to him, Nigerians forced to abandon their businesses are registering with the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria to enable the government to document their losses.
“We are compiling data on all Nigerian-owned businesses in South Africa. Those leaving their businesses and returning to Nigeria are registering with the Mission in Pretoria. We want to have those details so that we can pursue the necessary compensation from the South African Government,” he said.
Mr Ebienfa added that Nigeria has continued to remind the South African authorities of their responsibility to guarantee the safety of all foreign nationals residing in the country.
“We are advising Nigerians to remain law-abiding, while reminding the South African authorities that it is their responsibility to protect every foreign national residing in South Africa.
We have been given assurances, and we want those assurances to translate into tangible results,” he added.
On whether Nigeria is considering reciprocal measures against South African businesses operating in the country, Mr Ebienfa said the government is carefully assessing the implications before taking any action.
He noted that many South African companies operating in Nigeria are publicly listed, with Nigerians holding shares and benefiting from their operations.
“Most of the South African businesses in Nigeria are incorporated companies quoted on the stock exchange. Nigerians own shares in them and receive dividends. They also generate revenue within the Nigerian economy,” he stated.
Mr Ebienfa also pointed to the strategic importance of some South African investments, particularly in the telecommunications sector.
“Take MTN, for example. If we shut down MTN today, do we have enough Nigerian-owned network operators that can immediately fill that gap? It is not that we lack the capacity to take reciprocal action, but we are weighing the options,” he said.
He stressed that Nigeria remains committed to African unity and regional cooperation, saying the government does not want to adopt measures that could adversely affect millions of Nigerians.
“Nigeria believes in African unity and the promotion of African development. We do not want to take actions that will be detrimental to a large number of our citizens. However, we are considering all available options,” he noted.
The spokesperson, however, warned that Nigeria could activate reciprocal measures should the security situation deteriorate further.
“If the situation in South Africa escalates, we may have no option but to activate commensurate reciprocal measures. But for now, we strongly believe diplomacy should resolve the issue rather than confrontation,” he said.
On reports that the Federal Government is considering formal retaliatory measures, Mr Ebienfa explained that such decisions would require a coordinated approach involving both the Executive and the National Assembly.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will only implement what the government decides. Our role is to monitor the situation, make recommendations and allow the government to take the lead in making the final decision,” he added.
He further clarified that any far-reaching retaliatory action cannot be taken unilaterally by the ministry.
“If we have to make comprehensive demands or adopt reciprocal measures, it will be a collective decision. The National Assembly has a role to play, and the Executive also has a role to play,” he said.
The remarks come as Nigeria continues efforts to evacuate citizens willing to return home from South Africa while engaging the South African Government to ensure the safety of Nigerians who remain in the country.
