Xenophobia: Nigeria’s patience running thin, Fani-Kayode warns South Africa

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has condemned xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans, recalling Nigeria’s claimed $61 billion contribution to ending apartheid while urging unity, restraint and stronger bilateral cooperation.

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has condemned rising xenophobic hostility towards Nigerians and other Africans, warning that such attacks undermine the continent’s historical solidarity.

According to Daily Trust, Fani-Kayode spoke at the inaugural Nigerian Fair in Johannesburg, recalling Nigeria’s contributions to South Africa’s liberation from apartheid.

He claimed Nigeria contributed approximately $61 billion between 1960 and 1994 through financial, diplomatic and material assistance.

“It wasn’t a black South African struggle. It was a struggle that every nation in Africa, led primarily by the frontline states and Nigeria, and every decent civilised nation in the world supported,” he said.

Fani-Kayode recalled how Nigerian civil servants and schoolchildren contributed financially to anti-apartheid campaigns.

“We must understand that the world is coming together as one, and we must stand together as one,” he added.

Despite growing frustration over attacks, the envoy ruled out severing economic ties with South Africa.

He urged restraint and stronger bilateral cooperation.