Nigeria, South Africa move to defuse tensions with early warning pact

By Ambrose Nnaji

Growing misinformation, inflammatory social media rhetoric and unresolved migration concerns risk undermining one of Africa’s most strategic bilateral relationships, South Africa’s Consul General in Lagos, Bobby Moore, has warned, as Abuja and Pretoria move to strengthen diplomatic mechanisms aimed at preventing future tensions.

Speaking on the sideline of the Nigeria-South Africa Breakfast Meeting in Lagos, on the topic “The Future of Nigeria-South Africa Relations: Advancing Bilateral Cooperation in a Changing World”, Moore said fake news and sensational reporting were fuelling unnecessary mistrust between Africa’s two largest economies.

According to him, Nigeria and South Africa have agreed on a roadmap that includes the expedited signing of an Early Warning System Memorandum of Understanding and the reconvening of the Nigeria-South Africa Binational Commission to address migration, security and other bilateral concerns before they escalate.

“If we continue to rely on narratives driven by fake news, we will not be helping anyone,” Moore said.

“As governments, our responsibility is to contribute to building stronger relations and addressing issues constructively. Interviews or public comments that encourage finger-pointing between South Africa and Nigeria do not serve either country.”

His comments come against the backdrop of heightened public debate following reports of attacks on foreign nationals, concerns raised by Nigerians living in South Africa, and social media speculation over visa restrictions and diplomatic disagreements.

Moore dismissed reports that South Africa had suspended visa issuance to Nigerians, describing them as “completely false.”

“South Africa remains open to Nigerian visitors. Visa applications continue to be processed every day, and eligible applicants will receive their visas. Reports suggesting that South Africa has stopped issuing visas to Nigerians are fake news,” he said.

The envoy argued that migration should no longer be viewed as a bilateral dispute but as a continental policy challenge requiring coordinated action through the African Union.

He said both sending and receiving countries share responsibility for managing migration and protecting their citizens.

“Migration is not unique to South Africa. It is a global and continental phenomenon. The African Union offers the appropriate platform for member states to examine the root causes of migration and develop collective solutions instead of placing the burden on one country.”

Moore noted that South Africa has historically been one of Africa’s largest destinations for migrants, with thousands of Nigerians, Ghanaians, Zimbabweans and Zambians having settled, established businesses and raised families in the country over several decades.

One of the most significant outcomes of recent diplomatic engagements between both governments, according to Moore, is the agreement to fast-track an Early Warning System that would enable authorities in both countries to detect and respond swiftly to threats against foreign nationals.

The mechanism is expected to improve intelligence sharing and diplomatic intervention before isolated incidents develop into wider bilateral disputes.

He added that the Nigeria-South Africa Binational Commission, comprising several specialised working groups including migration, would soon resume meetings to address outstanding issues affecting citizens of both countries.

“There were areas where we differed, but there were also significant areas of consensus. We have agreed on a roadmap for moving forward.”

Responding to media reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu snubbed a South African delegation led by the country’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Moore rejected the interpretation.

According to him, although President Tinubu did not personally receive the delegation, he delegated Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and senior officials to engage extensively with the visitors.

“What happened was certainly not a snub,” Moore said.

“In fact, we were given more time to discuss substantive issues affecting both countries than we ordinarily would have had during a brief courtesy meeting with the President.”

He criticised sections of the media for presenting the engagement as a diplomatic slight, saying such narratives only deepen suspicion between the peoples of both countries.

“Sensational reporting does not strengthen relations. It creates unnecessary mistrust between South Africans and Nigerians.”

On compensation Moore confirmed that Nigeria raised the issue of compensation for Nigerians whose businesses and properties may have been affected during previous incidents in South Africa.

He disclosed that the Nigerian government would formally communicate its position, after which South African authorities would consider any claims in accordance with existing legal procedures.

“Anyone seeking compensation must provide the necessary documentation as required under South African law, after which the relevant institutions will process such claims.”

The Consul General also acknowledged concerns over delays in processing permanent residence and immigration applications in South Africa.

He attributed the backlog to the exceptionally high volume of applications received by South African authorities relative to available manpower.

According to him, every application undergoes due diligence and is assessed on its individual merit, while government agencies continue efforts to reduce processing delays.

He added that temporary extensions had been granted to affected applicants while authorities work through the backlog.

Moore maintained that despite recent tensions, Nigeria and South Africa remain committed to preserving one of Africa’s most important bilateral partnerships.

With both countries accounting for a significant share of Africa’s economic output and diplomatic influence, he argued that cooperation—not confrontation—is essential for continental stability.

“Our discussions were cordial, open and productive. There is no cause for panic. South Africa and Nigeria continue to enjoy a strong and mutually beneficial relationship, and we are committed to resolving our differences through dialogue”, he said.