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Tag: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

  • Nigeria Considers Retaliatory Measures Over Anti-Nigerian Violence in South Africa

    The Federal Government has indicated that Nigeria may consider retaliatory measures against South Africa following renewed incidents of violence targeting Nigerians living in the country.

    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the disclosure while speaking with journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, saying the option remains under consideration as concerns grow over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.

    Evacuation Process Delayed

    According to the minister, plans to begin evacuating willing Nigerians from South Africa on Monday were delayed due to ongoing verification and screening exercises being conducted jointly with South African authorities.

    She explained that the documentation process, which reportedly involved more than 1,000 Nigerians, began last Thursday and was expected to conclude before evacuation arrangements could be finalised.

    The government said preparations were still ongoing for citizens who had indicated their desire to return home.

    Nigeria Not Happy, Says Minister

    Speaking on the possibility of restricting certain privileges currently enjoyed by South Africans in Nigeria, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the matter could be considered at the highest levels of government.

    “Well, that is a situation that we are considering. This is up to our legislature. This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government,” she said.

    She added that the option was “not off the table.”

    References to Nigeria’s Support During Apartheid

    The minister noted that many Nigerians remain unhappy about what they see as a pattern of hostility despite Nigeria’s historic role in supporting South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.

    According to her, Nigeria committed significant resources, financial support and educational opportunities to South Africans during the fight against apartheid.

    She recalled that many Nigerians participated in protests and advocacy campaigns in solidarity with South Africa during that period.

    Concerns Over Targeting of Black Migrants

    Odumegwu-Ojukwu also alleged that black migrants were being disproportionately targeted.

    “Nigeria is a serious frontline state, and Nigerians are not happy about how they have been treated. They are not asking other migrants to leave; they’re only asking black migrants to leave,” she said.

    The development comes amid growing calls for stronger diplomatic engagement between both countries as concerns persist over the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa.

  • Tinubu Swears In Joseph Tegbe, Sola Enikanolaiye as New Ministers

    President Bola Tinubu on Monday swore in Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of Power and Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs during a ceremony held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    The inauguration followed their confirmation by the Senate after the resignation of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to pursue governorship ambitions in their respective states.

    Swearing-In Held at Presidential Villa

    The ceremony was attended by family members of the new ministers, senior government officials and other invited guests.

    Tegbe and Enikanolaiye were nominated by President Tinubu and later screened and confirmed by the Senate on May 6, 2026.

    Their appointments fill the vacancies created by the recent cabinet reshuffle.

    Tegbe Takes Charge of Power Ministry

    Joseph Tegbe, an indigene of Ibadan in Oyo State, assumes leadership of the Ministry of Power with more than three decades of experience spanning the public and private sectors.

    Over a career lasting more than 35 years, he has been involved in economic management, public sector reforms, policy implementation and strategic planning.

    He is also known for his work in institutional development and stakeholder engagement.

    Enikanolaiye Joins Foreign Affairs Ministry

    Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, who hails from Igbagun in Kogi State, brings extensive diplomatic experience to the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

    He graduated with a First Class degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he emerged as the best graduating student in his faculty.

    He later obtained a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos with distinction.

    Experienced Diplomat

    Before his appointment, Enikanolaiye served as Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Foreign Affairs and International Relations in the Office of the Chief of Staff.

    During his diplomatic career, he represented Nigeria in several countries and international missions, including Ethiopia, Serbia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

    He also served as Nigeria’s Head of Mission in New Delhi, India, before returning to the presidency.

  • FG Moves to Evacuate 130 Nigerians from South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks

    The Federal Government has begun plans to evacuate Nigerians from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks, with at least 130 citizens already registered for voluntary repatriation.

    The move comes amid rising concerns over violence targeting foreign nationals.

    FG raises alarm over attacks

    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the evacuation plan is aimed at protecting Nigerians as tensions escalate.

    She noted that more citizens are expected to register in the coming days as fears grow over safety.

    The minister also conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s concern, stating that Nigeria would not tolerate continued attacks on its citizens and their businesses.

    Nigeria summons South African envoy

    In response to the situation, the Federal Government has summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said discussions would focus on recent anti-immigrant protests and reported cases of harassment, violence and destruction of Nigerian-owned businesses.

    Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed the need for justice, citing the killing of two Nigerians in separate incidents allegedly involving security personnel.

    Evacuation plan underway

    According to the minister, efforts are ongoing to compile a register of Nigerians in South Africa and arrange evacuation flights for those willing to return.

    She described the process as part of broader steps to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad.

    Wider regional concern

    Reports indicate that other African nationals have also been affected by the violence, including Ethiopian migrants.

    Despite condemnation of the attacks by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, anti-immigrant protests have continued in some areas.

    There have also been reports of individuals being stopped in public places and asked to present identification, while some foreign-owned businesses were forced to shut down during protests.

    The development has drawn reactions across the continent, with Ghana also raising concerns after a viral video showed one of its citizens being confronted over immigration status.

    South Africa is estimated to host about 2.4 million documented migrants, although the actual number is believed to be higher.

  • Tinubu Tasks Ambassadors to Boost Nigeria’s Image, Drive Investment Push

    President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s ambassadors and high commissioners to strengthen the country’s global image and attract foreign investment.

    The directive was delivered on Monday at the opening of an induction programme for envoys at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Focus on Results-Driven Diplomacy

    Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the President urged diplomats to adopt a more modern and results-oriented approach.

    He said envoys must combine traditional diplomacy with digital engagement, public communication, and strategic outreach.

    Foreign Policy Framework Adjusted

    The administration also announced a refinement of Nigeria’s foreign policy framework, known as the 4D Doctrine.

    Originally built on Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora, the revised approach now places Nigerians at the centre of all engagements.

    ‘Deliver Tangible Benefits’

    According to the government, the shift is aimed at ensuring that international relations translate into real benefits for citizens.

    Tinubu noted that the role of diplomats has become more critical in a rapidly changing global environment.

    Call for Professionalism and Integrity

    The President emphasised the need for professionalism, integrity, and patriotism in the conduct of diplomatic duties.

    He also encouraged the envoys to take full advantage of the induction course, describing it as essential for effective service.

    The government said the training is designed to equip diplomats with the skills needed to represent Nigeria’s interests globally.