President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly declined to receive a special envoy sent by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following renewed concerns over persistent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.

The delegation, led by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, arrived in Abuja on Friday, July 24, with what sources described as an important message from President Ramaphosa.

Fresh Tensions After Nigerian’s Death

The reported diplomatic decision comes after the alleged killing of Nigerian citizen Chika Ibe, who was reportedly taken from his residence in Bellville, Cape Town, and tortured to death by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The incident has reignited concerns over the safety of Nigerians residing in South Africa and renewed calls for stronger diplomatic action.

Nigeria Demands Implementation of Agreement

According to diplomatic sources, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu advised against the meeting, insisting that South Africa should first ratify and present the signed Memorandum of Understanding on the Early Warning Mechanism (EWM) before further diplomatic engagement.

The agreement, signed by both countries in October 2025, is intended to strengthen cooperation on protecting citizens, preventing xenophobic violence and improving consular relations.

Nigerian officials also believe full implementation of the agreement could strengthen compensation claims for victims of previous xenophobic attacks.

Shettima Condemned Attacks at ECOWAS Summit

At the recent ECOWAS Summit in Sierra Leone, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu, condemned the attacks on Nigerians and pledged that Nigeria would continue pushing for stronger African Union measures against xenophobia.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor the South African government had officially commented on reports that President Tinubu declined to receive the delegation.