The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has urged Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa to exercise caution and strictly adhere to safety advisories amid rising anti-foreigner protests in parts of the country.

The commission’s warning follows a circular issued by the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg on April 22, 2026, which reported that demonstrations in cities including East London, Cape Town, Durban, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent, resulting in looting, destruction of property, and injuries.

According to the advisory, intelligence reports indicate that additional protests are scheduled to take place in Gauteng Province between April 27 and April 29, with demonstrators reportedly seeking to pressure the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.

In response, NiDCOM in a press release by its Head, Media, a public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun advised Nigerians to avoid engaging with protest groups, steer clear of confrontation, and closely monitor local media for updates on the security situation.

The commission also stressed the importance of remaining law-abiding at all times.

Nigerian business owners were specifically cautioned to take preventive measures, including shutting down operations on Freedom Day, April 27, and possibly extending closures through April 28 and 29, noting that foreign-owned businesses are often targets during such unrest.

NiDCOM reaffirmed its support for the position of the Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, stating that the consulate remains operational and is working closely with South African security agencies to safeguard Nigerian nationals.

The commission further disclosed that Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Onoh, is actively engaging with her South African counterpart as part of diplomatic efforts to address the situation.

President William Ruto has criticised Nigeria’s economic conditions and English usage, pushing back against comments by President Bola Tinubu that Nigerians are better off than citizens of other African countries.

The exchange followed remarks by Tinubu during a visit to Bayelsa State, where he inaugurated key infrastructure projects and defended his administration’s economic policies despite rising fuel prices.

“It is very important that we are honest with our people. Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel price is biting hard, but look around, let us thank God together, that you are better off. Listen to them in Kenya and other African countries and what they are going through. We will not look back. We will continue to fine way to ameliorate the sufferings of the vulnerable,” Tinubu had said...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.

In a now-viral video response, Ruto dismissed the comparison, pointing to Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges, particularly its persistent power supply issues, and taking a swipe at its English usage.

“Our education is good. Our English is good. We speak the best English in the world. If you listen to a Nigerian speak English, you’ll need a translator. We’ve the best human capital anywhere in the world,” Ruto said, using humour to defend his country’s standing.

The remarks come amid broader economic pressures across Africa, including rising fuel prices linked to global supply disruptions, partly driven by tensions in the Middle East and concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.

The exchange has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many users criticising both the comparison and the tone of the remarks.

On X (formerly Twitter), a user, Bureau-39, wrote, “Let’s not drag the whole country into this shit between two incompetent mad corrupt politicians. Both the countries speak good English, Kenya leans toward a clearer, more British-influenced style, while Nigeria mixes it with rich local flair and pidgin that can sound like its own dialect.”

Another commenter, Frank Bryant, questioned the basis of the debate, saying, “Why should Africans be competing over who speaks the colonial masters language very well?”

Xave added, “and you think they would listen to you the only thing Africans are good at is fighting amongst themselves.”

Obiridike commented, “They will do that Ghanaians and South Africans say all Nigerians are thieves and drug peddlers.”

Similarly, Michael James echoed, “They will do that Ghanaians and South Africans say all Nigerians are thieves and drug peddlers.”

While Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest do oil producers, it continues to grapple with inflation, currency instability and erratic electricity supply.

Kenya, on the other hand, has positioned itself as a regional hub for finance and technology, though it also faces economic challenges, including rising debt and cost-of-living pressures.

Canada approved 3,463 asylum applications submitted by Nigerian nationals in 2025, while a total of 21,573 claims remained unresolved at the close of the year, according to updated figures released by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, IRB.

The data, updated on February 13 and covering the period from January to December 2025, shows that Nigerians lodged 6,765 asylum claims within the year.

Out of these, 3,463 applications were successful, 1,377 were refused, 46 were abandoned, and 153 were withdrawn or classified under other outcomes, bringing the total number of concluded cases to 5,039...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.

The figures indicate an approval rate of about 68 per cent, reflecting an increase compared to previous years when 2,230 out of 16,267 claims were granted.

With this volume of applications, Nigeria ranked among the leading countries of origin for asylum seekers in Canada in 2025, alongside India, Haiti, Iran, and Mexico.

Under Canadian regulations, the Refugee Protection Division grants asylum to individuals who meet the criteria outlined in the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention. Applicants must demonstrate a credible fear of persecution based on factors such as race, religion, nationality, membership of a social group, or political opinion, or show a risk of torture or inhumane treatment if returned to their home country.

The IRB explained that asylum requests can be made either at designated entry points, such as airports, land borders, or seaports, or from within Canada. Each claim is first assessed for eligibility by officials of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or the Canada Border Services Agency before being referred to the board for determination.

“All eligible claims are then determined by the IRB based on the evidence and arguments presented, and in line with Canadian laws,” the board stated, adding that applicants must establish a well-founded fear of persecution or serious harm in their country of origin.

Successful applicants are granted protected status and may apply for permanent residence, while those whose claims are denied could face removal proceedings.

Overall, Canada processed 107,802 asylum claims from all nationalities in 2025, with 50,067 cases concluded. Of these, 14,619 were approved and 7,944 rejected.

The IRB noted a sustained increase in asylum applications in recent years, driven by global instability, conflicts, and rising displacement worldwide. However, it also reported a 64 per cent drop in new claims between January and February 2026 compared to the same period in 2024.

Provinces such as Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia currently accommodate the highest numbers of asylum seekers in the country.