NANS urges FG intervention South Africa student safety amid xenophobic tensions, calling for urgent protection of Nigerian students abroad
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene over the safety of Nigerian students in South Africa following renewed concerns about xenophobic tensions in the country.
Also read: Subsidy removal achieved nothing — NANS tells Tinubu
NANS appeals for FG action to protect Nigerian students in South Africa, the appeal was made on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, in a statement issued by the association’s Vice President for External Affairs, Aneke Kenechukwu.
The student body described the situation as a worrying pattern of hostility and targeted attacks against foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians and other Africans residing in South Africa.
According to the association, the escalating tension has left Nigerian students in fear, warning that the environment poses a serious risk to their safety and undermines broader 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 said.
NANS urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to secure firm guarantees for the protection of Nigerian citizens, especially students.
It also called for closer monitoring of developments through diplomatic channels and insisted that perpetrators of xenophobic violence must be brought to justice without delay.
The association further appealed for immediate support measures, including safe accommodation for affected students, emergency contact lines, and financial assistance where necessary.
It also suggested that the government consider a coordinated evacuation plan for students who may wish to return to Nigeria, describing it as a necessary step to prevent further exposure to danger.
NANS seeks urgent government response on student safety in South Africa statement emphasised that diplomacy remains the preferred approach, but stressed the need for swift and decisive action.
“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 group stated.
NANS also called for collaboration between the Federal Government, Nigerian diplomatic missions, and international partners to ensure adequate protection for students abroad.
Recent reports indicate that fresh xenophobic incidents in South Africa have led to the deaths of two Nigerian nationals, although Nigerian diplomatic authorities have said the situation is being monitored.
Also read: Minimum wage: NANS urges FG to accept Labour’s demands
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has meanwhile urged foreign nationals to comply with local laws, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to human rights protection.
