Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the President Bola Tinubu administration over what he described as a slow and inadequate response to renewed anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa.
Atiku said it was embarrassing that Nigeria, often regarded as Africa’s largest nation and continental leader, appeared reactive while smaller African countries acted swiftly to protect their citizens.
Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, in a statement, the former vice president, commended Ghana for promptly approving the evacuation of more than 300 distressed citizens following recent xenophobic threats in South Africa.
According to Atiku, Nigeria’s response lacked the urgency, compassion, and leadership expected from a country of its diplomatic stature.
“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,” he said.
“When the first signs of danger emerged, smaller African nations acted with clarity, compassion, and urgency. Ghana moved decisively. Others issued strong advisories and activated protective mechanisms for their nationals.”
Atiku stated that although the Nigerian government had now spoken about repatriation efforts, the delayed response raised concerns about the administration’s priorities.
“Yes, the government has now spoken. Yes, repatriation talks have been mentioned. But the critical question remains: why did it take external pressure and the decisive action of others before Nigeria found its voice?” he asked.
The former vice president noted that Nigerians in South Africa had repeatedly faced intimidation, attacks, harassment, and destruction of businesses over the years, with government responses often limited to diplomatic statements and consultations.
“A government’s first obligation is the protection of its citizens — wherever they may be. A government that waits until other nations have taken the lead before acting sends a dangerous signal: that the lives of its citizens are negotiable,” Atiku said.
He described it as humiliating that Ghana, with fewer diplomatic resources and fewer citizens abroad, projected stronger leadership and compassion during the crisis.
Atiku called on the Federal Government to go beyond what he described as “half-measures” by issuing stronger travel advisories, activating evacuation plans for willing Nigerians, intensifying diplomatic engagement with South African authorities, and mobilising the African Union to address recurring xenophobic violence on the continent.
“Africa cannot continue to preach unity while tolerating periodic persecution of fellow Africans. And Nigeria cannot continue to posture as a continental leader while behaving like a reluctant observer,” he added.
He also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to demonstrate greater urgency and competence in protecting Nigerians abroad.
