Xenophobia must end, Nigerians deserve respect everywhere— Dabiri-Erewa

The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged Nigerians to stop denigrating their country and instead project its positive image at home and abroad. Reacting to the recent evacuation of 258 Nigerians from South Africa following xenophobic attacks, she described the development as painful and unacceptable. Dabiri-Erewa also commended President Bola Tinubu’s intervention and called on governors to emulate the support of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for affected returnees. She spoke during Channels Television’s Politics Today. David Lawani presents excerpts

The evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa is deeply troubling. What is the Federal Government’s official position on the situation?

First and foremost, it was a mixture of emotions. There was a woman who told me she owned a SPAR franchise in South Africa. She had to shut it down and return home with her three children. Yet she said she intends to establish another SPAR outlet in Nigeria. So, while there was sadness over what happened, there was also relief that she had a home to return to. Unfortunately, this is happening on the African continent. One thing I must emphasise is that none of the 258 Nigerians who returned committed any crime. Their only offence was being black African migrants living in South Africa. Everyone was grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating their return to Nigeria. MTN was on hand to provide ₦100,000 to each returnee, along with ₦50,000 airtime and starter packs. Governor Hope Uzodimma also approved ₦1 million for each affected indigene of Imo State, and we hope other governors will follow that example. The President directed that they must be properly reintegrated into society. He fully funded Air Peace to ensure their return. We have now moved into the reintegration phase. NEMA provided transportation, the National Commission for Refugees will coordinate reintegration efforts, and NIMC issued National Identification Numbers to those who needed them. MTN and other private organisations, including Cookstone, also provided support. It was a seamless inter-agency collaboration. We are appealing to governors across the country to emulate Governor Uzodimma by reaching out to their citizens and supporting their reintegration into society.

Has the Nigerian government been able to determine the root causes of the hostility and xenophobia directed at Nigerians in South Africa?

As you rightly pointed out, it is essentially hatred. We have been dealing with this issue for quite some time. Nigeria and South Africa have a Bi-National Commission where such concerns are discussed. Both countries also established an Early Warning Mechanism designed to identify and address emerging threats before they escalate. Unfortunately, in this instance, the mechanism failed because no action was taken despite the warning signs. Often, the claim is that Nigerians are taking jobs away from South Africans. But what jobs? The woman I mentioned owned a SPAR franchise. She was creating jobs, not taking them. Another returnee told us he owned four businesses in South Africa before deciding to return to Nigeria and rebuild his life. Many of the returnees described the situation as increasingly hostile and dangerous. I spoke with a nine-year-old boy who told me he was singled out at school simply because he was Nigerian. His mother recounted years of discrimination and decided she would not allow her children to endure the same experience. This is an issue Africa must confront collectively. It is not only Nigerians who are affected, although our numbers make us more visible. There appears to be a growing hostility towards black African migrants generally. I have personally engaged South African stakeholders on this issue. The excuses range from claims that Nigerians take jobs to allegations that they are responsible for social problems. None of these explanations justifies what is happening. For Nigerians who wish to return home, we are preparing reintegration programmes. The Refugee Commission is already assessing their skills and aspirations to ensure they receive appropriate support. Leaving behind businesses, homes, and investments is painful, but many felt they had no choice because their safety was at risk. It is a very sad situation.

Some observers have described South Africa’s actions as ungrateful, considering Nigeria’s historic support during the anti-apartheid struggle. Would you agree?

Absolutely.

What is the Nigerian government’s position on these recurring attacks and acts of hostility against its citizens?

The words you used are appropriate—terrible, disappointing and painful. Regarding Nigeria’s bilateral relations with South Africa, the official position will be articulated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and possibly the Presidency. Frankly, enough is enough. As a Commission, our focus has been on people-to-people engagement and the welfare of Nigerians affected by these developments. None of the returnees committed any crime. Yet some continue to hide behind criminal stereotypes to justify targeting Nigerians. You cannot generalise the actions of a few individuals to an entire population. It is also important to note that Nigerians are not the only victims. However, because of our numbers, we are often the most visible targets. What is particularly troubling is the apparent lack of decisive action by the South African authorities. People are committing these acts and getting away with them. That is the most unfortunate aspect of the situation. Something must be done, but the appropriate authorities will determine the specifics of any diplomatic response.

Many of the returnees have lost businesses, investments and livelihoods built over several years. Beyond facilitating their return, what long-term measures are being considered to help them rebuild their lives?

One thing is certain: bringing them home is not the ultimate solution. This is not the first time such incidents have occurred, and simply evacuating victims does not address the underlying problem. Compensation should be considered, but more importantly, these individuals need opportunities to rebuild their lives. Imagine the pain of someone who had to shut down six thriving businesses before returning home. This is why state governments and other sub-national institutions must become actively involved. I want to appeal once again to governors to support their citizens. If someone is operating a successful business abroad, how can that person be assisted in establishing a similar venture in Nigeria? Governor Hope Uzodimma’s intervention is commendable. Each affected Imo indigene is receiving ₦1 million, and those funds should reach their accounts shortly. The Refugee Commission is already engaging returnees to determine their skills and aspirations. The woman who owns a SPAR outlet in South Africa has indicated that she intends to open another in Abuja. She is from Anambra State, while her mother resides in Abuja. Our responsibility is to maintain contact with them, monitor their progress and identify additional areas of support. Ultimately, we hope they will rebuild successfully and tell inspiring stories of resilience. Returning home was not their preferred choice. They did so because they had to escape a dangerous environment. Bringing them home is necessary, but it is not the final solution. Unfortunately, these incidents may continue unless the South African government adopts a firmer and more decisive stance.

Would you say Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with South Africa has failed?

No, diplomatic engagement is still ongoing. Diplomacy is fundamentally about continuous dialogue and engagement. The Minister of Foreign Affairs remains in discussions with his South African counterpart, and I am confident that both Presidents will continue to engage on this issue. For now, our immediate priority is the welfare of our citizens. We must ensure their safe return and successful reintegration. The first batch is relieved to be back home, and additional batches are expected in the coming weeks. State governments have a major role to play, alongside agencies such as SMEDAN. There is already strong inter-agency collaboration, and regular meetings are being held under the leadership of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to coordinate responses and make necessary decisions.

What must Nigeria do to command greater respect internationally and protect its reputation from unfair stereotyping and attacks on its citizens abroad?

The reality is that bad news travels faster than good news. As someone who works closely with Nigerians in the diaspora, I can confidently say that Nigerians are respected and celebrated worldwide. Unfortunately, isolated negative incidents often overshadow the thousands of positive stories. That is why one of our core mandates at NiDCOM is to celebrate Nigerians who are excelling globally. We want the diaspora community to become ambassadors of Nigeria’s positive image. We must learn to tell our own stories. If we constantly disparage our country and ridicule our passport, how can we expect others to respect us? I am a proud and unapologetic Nigerian. For every negative story about a Nigerian abroad, there are hundreds of positive examples. In South Africa, Nigerians are among the leading doctors, engineers and academics. Yet many are now considering leaving because the environment has become increasingly unsafe. President Bola Tinubu has consistently maintained that no Nigerian should suffer for a crime they did not commit. We receive petitions regularly, intervene where necessary and seek justice for affected citizens. At the same time, Nigerians must conduct themselves responsibly. The overwhelming majority do. We must stop talking down on ourselves and begin promoting the positive values that define us. A woman once told me she was travelling from the United States to celebrate her 70th birthday in Nigeria. Friends warned her she would be kidnapped. She came anyway and has returned every year since. Her question to me was simple: “Why do Nigerians speak so negatively about their own country?” That is a question we all need to reflect upon.

As a leading African nation, what more should Nigeria and the continent do to address xenophobia and promote African unity?

President Tinubu has demonstrated leadership on this issue, but it is a challenge that the entire African continent must confront. Watching the 258 returnees arrive home was heartbreaking. African leaders must do more to stop these recurring incidents. Part of the problem is that we do not tell our own stories effectively. We often focus on our shortcomings while ignoring our strengths. Yet whenever people visit Nigeria, they are often surprised by our warmth and hospitality because it differs from what they had been told. The media has a critical role to play in reshaping that narrative. Nigerians are energetic, resilient, hardworking and innovative. These are qualities we should celebrate. You may disagree with a government official or even a government policy, but you should not destroy your country’s image in the process. Nigeria is blessed with immense human and natural resources. President Tinubu has undertaken difficult reforms because he believes they are necessary to reposition the country for long-term growth. As you travel around the world today, you will discover that people increasingly want to engage with Nigeria—our music, food, culture and creativity. The narrative is changing. We must continue working together to build a stronger nation. Collectively, we have one of the greatest countries in the world, and we must project that confidence.

While many Nigerians make the country proud abroad, some unfortunately damage its image. What should be done to address this challenge?

This responsibility belongs to all of us. It begins at home with the values we teach our children. As parents, we must ask ourselves what examples we are setting and what principles we are passing on to the next generation. Leadership matters, and President Tinubu is making significant efforts. However, nation-building is a shared responsibility. Leadership and followership must work together. We should not leave moral and civic education entirely to schools. Every adult has a role to play in shaping society. As a people, we need a moral reawakening. Too often, we celebrate wealth without questioning how it was acquired. We sometimes glorify corruption and immorality, while social media amplifies these unhealthy trends. When Nigerians abroad achieve remarkable success, their stories often receive little attention. Yet negative behaviour quickly dominates public discourse. That must change. There must also be consequences for misconduct. Without sanctions, bad behaviour will continue to thrive. Whenever Nigerians abroad engage in conduct that tarnishes our image, I call them out because no single individual’s actions should define an entire nation. My message is simple: do not allow the actions of a few to overshadow the achievements of the many. The overwhelming majority of Nigerians are hardworking, law-abiding and successful. Let us celebrate them, support them and make them the face of our national story.