The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, wishes to draw the urgent attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the safety and well-being of Nigerian students in South Africa amid rising xenophobic tensions.
This is contained in a statement by Comr. Aneke Kenechukwu, Vice President, External Affairs,
National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS
Consistent In Our Commitment to Nigerian Students Worldwide.
Recent reports confirms a disturbing pattern of hostility and targeted attacks against foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians and other Africans. These acts threaten lives and betray the ideals of African unity, cooperation, and shared prosperity.
Nigerian students in South Africa now live in fear and uncertainty. As young ambassadors and future leaders of our nation, their protection must be treated as a national emergency.
NANS THEREFORE CALLS ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO:
- Engage South African authorities immediately through diplomatic channels to secure firm guarantees for the safety of Nigerian citizens, especially students.
- Activate all diplomatic mechanisms to monitor the situation and ensure perpetrators of xenophobic violence face justice.
- Provide emergency support for affected students safe shelters, dedicated hotlines, and financial aid where necessary.
- Initiate a coordinated evacuation plan for Nigerian students willing to return home, to prevent further exposure to life-threatening risks.
Diplomacy remains the most responsible path, but it must be proactive, firm, and result-oriented. Nigerian lives must not be left to bureaucratic delay.
We further urge government to collaborate with NANS, Nigerian diplomatic missions, and international partners to ensure no student is left stranded or vulnerable.
The time to act is now. Every delay endangers innocent lives.
