Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president has criticised the federal government’s response to renewed anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa, accusing authorities of reacting slowly to attacks targeting Nigerians.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, his senior special assistant on public communication, Atiku said it was embarrassing that Nigeria appeared to have been “shamed into action” while smaller African countries moved swiftly to protect their citizens.
He noted that at least two Nigerians had reportedly been killed since anti-foreigner tensions escalated in South Africa last month.
The former vice-president praised the government of Ghana for approving the evacuation of more than 300 distressed citizens following the latest wave of xenophobic threats.
According to him, Nigeria’s response has been hesitant despite its diplomatic influence on the continent.
“It is deeply troubling that Nigeria, a country that prides itself as the leader of the Black world and the giant of Africa, once again found itself reacting instead of leading in a moment of continental crisis,” the statement read.
Atiku said other African nations acted with urgency by issuing advisories and activating protective measures for their nationals, while Nigeria responded slowly.
He argued that the issue was not whether the government eventually reacted, but whether the response reflected the urgency and leadership expected from Africa’s largest country.
The former vice-president also lamented recurring attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, saying many citizens had endured years of intimidation, harassment and xenophobic violence.
According to him, successive Nigerian governments have often followed the same pattern of summoning diplomats and issuing cautious statements without decisive action.
Atiku urged the federal government to issue a strong travel advisory, commence evacuation arrangements for willing Nigerians and intensify diplomatic engagement with South African authorities.
He also called on the African Union to establish a lasting continental framework against xenophobic violence.
Meanwhile, more than 130 Nigerians in South Africa have reportedly registered for voluntary repatriation following attacks targeting foreign nationals.