South Africa and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation on migration, governance and regional security, following high-level diplomatic engagements aimed at easing tensions and deepening relations between the two countries.
The engagements come as migration and immigration continue to dominate discussions across the continent, with African leaders placing greater emphasis on finding coordinated responses to cross-border movement, public safety and governance challenges.
President Cyril Ramaphosa's Special Envoy to Nigeria and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, concluded a diplomatic mission to Abuja, where he delivered an official message from President Ramaphosa to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
President Tinubu appointed a high-level Nigerian government delegation to engage with the South African delegation in structured discussions.
According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the talks were "candid, constructive, and forward-looking", focusing on restoring mutual goodwill and strengthening bilateral relations.
A key focus of the engagements was managing migration-related challenges, while preserving the strong historical ties between the two countries.
Three areas of concern
During the discussions, Lamola outlined three issues that have contributed to recent tensions between South Africa and Nigeria.
The first related to the purported installation of an unrecognised traditional ruler, styled as an "Igbo King", in the Eastern Cape, in March this year.
Lamola said the development had generated widespread concern in South Africa, particularly as the country continues to consolidate the constitutional role of traditional leadership in the democratic era.
The second concern centred on the involvement of some foreign nationals, including Nigerian citizens, in organised crime, illicit drug trafficking and financial fraud.
According to DIRCO, more than 500 Nigerian nationals had been processed through South Africa's criminal justice system for various offences as of 7 July 2026.
Lamola said the figures underscored the need for stronger cooperation between the two countries on cross-border law enforcement and security.
The third concern related to incidents where law enforcement officers encountered violent resistance while conducting criminal investigations, particularly in hijacked residential and commercial buildings in areas, such as Hillbrow in Johannesburg and Sunnyside in Pretoria.
These unlawful enclaves, Lamola said, have compromised public safety for both South Africans and foreign nationals.
"Regrettably, these incidents have fueled negative perceptions surrounding Nigerian nationals living in South Africa over the years. Addressing these challenges firmly, fairly, and within the bounds of the law is vital for the well-being of both our nations," Lamola said.
Law enforcement and due process
The two delegations also reviewed the arrest and processing of more than 500 Nigerian nationals in South Africa.
Lamola clarified that these law enforcement measures are evidence-based, targeting individual criminal conduct rather than profiling the broader, law-abiding Nigerian diaspora.
The Nigerian delegation acknowledged the importance of holding offenders accountable, while stressing that all detainees should receive constitutional due process, fair trial protections and humane treatment.
Rejecting xenophobia
A significant outcome of the talks was a shared commitment to reducing inflammatory rhetoric and preventing hostility towards foreign nationals.
Lamola reiterated that South Africa remains firmly opposed to xenophobia, racism and all forms of discrimination.
He stressed that while government would continue to act decisively against crime, criminality could never be used to justify violence or intimidation against foreign nationals.
“Law enforcement remains the exclusive prerogative of the State. While South Africa will not tolerate criminal activity by any individual regardless of nationality, we equally will not permit vigilante action or xenophobic violence against foreign nationals residing in our country. To this end, arrests have taken place and relevant investigations are still underway,” Minister Lamola stated.
Migration a growing continental priority
The engagements come amid growing continental discussions on migration, which has emerged as one of the key issues occupying African leaders and policymakers.
Migration, border management and public safety have featured prominently in recent African Union and Pan-African Parliament discussions, with leaders calling for balanced approaches that strengthen security while protecting human rights and preserving regional integration.
Lamola reiterated that shared migration and public safety challenges are best resolved through formal diplomatic channels, institutional security partnerships, and strict adherence to constitutional rights.
The two governments reaffirmed that bilateral diplomacy and Pan-African solidarity remain the essential frameworks to ensure peaceful coexistence, safeguard human rights, and deepen historical ties between South Africa and Nigeria. – SAnews.gov.za
