Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Government Has Failed to Protect Citizens in South Africa – Idam

Human rights lawyer and activist Maduabuchi Idam has criticized the Nigerian government over what he described as its weak response to the recurring xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa.

According to Idam, successive attacks on Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa have continued without a strong institutional response from the Federal Government, despite growing concerns over the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad.

He argued that while diplomatic engagement remains necessary, it should be backed by firm and lawful policies capable of protecting Nigerians and sending a clear message to South African authorities.

Idam Calls for Stronger Government Action

In a statement he signed, Idam expressed disappointment that the Nigerian government has yet to introduce deliberate policies or programmes aimed at addressing the repeated attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

He said he expected government institutions to adopt measures that would clearly demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to defending its citizens, but lamented that no meaningful action has been taken beyond discussions at the National Assembly.

“In the wake of the recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, I had expected that, by now, Nigerian institutions would be communicating their response through deliberate state policies and programmes capable of sending a clear and unmistakable message to the South African Government regarding its treatment of Nigerians.

“Painfully, no meaningful institutional response has been witnessed to date, apart from the routine debates on the floor of the National Assembly, which have produced little or no tangible outcome.”

South African Companies Should Face Tougher Regulations, He Says

Idam also questioned why South African multinational companies continue to operate successfully in Nigeria despite the repeated attacks on Nigerian citizens in their home country.

According to him, many Nigerians have raised concerns over what they describe as exploitative business practices by some of these companies, yet the government has continued to provide an enabling environment for them.

He argued that authorities could lawfully introduce stricter regulatory oversight, targeted fiscal policies, or other economic reforms that would hold foreign businesses accountable while protecting Nigerian consumers.

“A government genuinely committed to protecting its citizens could have considered lawful policy responses, including targeted fiscal measures, stricter regulatory oversight, or other legitimate economic reforms designed to ensure that foreign companies operating in Nigeria are made to suffer the consequences of the actions against Nigerians in their homeland.”

Delayed MultiChoice Case Raises Fresh Concerns

The activist lawyer also expressed frustration over the delayed judgment in his legal battle against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, noting that the matter had been concluded several months ago with judgment reserved.

According to him, the decision has yet to be delivered because the court has been occupied with pre-election-related cases.

Idam maintained that the case raises significant issues surrounding consumer protection and alleged exploitative trade practices involving the South African-owned company.

He added that a timely judgment would have demonstrated that Nigerian institutions remain capable of protecting consumers through the rule of law.

“I had hoped that the judgment would be delivered promptly, particularly because the case raises important questions concerning consumer protection and the alleged exploitative trade practices of a South African-owned enterprise operating in Nigeria.”

Calls for More Than Diplomatic Responses

Reiterating his position, Idam insisted that diplomacy alone is no longer sufficient to address the recurring attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

He urged the Nigerian government to adopt stronger, lawful, and carefully considered policy measures aimed at safeguarding the dignity, economic interests, and welfare of Nigerians both within the country and abroad.

According to him, the continued absence of decisive action has left many Nigerians questioning the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens from repeated xenophobic violence outside the country.