Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has faulted the federal government’s handling of the renewed anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa.
At least two Nigerians have reportedly been killed since xenophobic tensions escalated in South Africa last month.
In a statement released on Sunday by Phrank Shaibu, his senior special assistant on public communication, Atiku said it was embarrassing that Nigeria appeared to have been “shamed into action” while smaller African countries acted quickly to protect their citizens.
The former vice-president noted that Ghana had swiftly approved the evacuation of over 300 distressed citizens following the latest wave of xenophobic threats.
He said Nigeria, despite its influence and diplomatic standing in Africa, responded slowly and without urgency.
“It is deeply troubling that Nigeria, a country that prides itself as the leader of the Black world and the giant of Africa, once again found itself reacting instead of leading in a moment of continental crisis,” the statement reads.
“When the first signs of danger emerged, smaller African nations acted with clarity, compassion, and urgency.
“Ghana moved decisively. Others issued strong advisories and activated protective mechanisms for their nationals.
“But Nigeria, whose citizens have historically borne the brunt of xenophobic violence in South Africa, moved with the lethargy that has become the defining trademark of this administration.”
Atiku said the concern was not whether the federal government eventually reacted, but whether the response reflected leadership and urgency.
“Yes, the government has now spoken. Yes, repatriation talks have been mentioned,” he said.
“But the critical question remains: why did it take external pressure and the decisive action of others before Nigeria found its voice? This is not about whether the government eventually responded.
“It is about whether that response reflected the urgency, seriousness, and leadership expected of a responsible government. By every objective standard, it did not.”
The former vice-president said Nigerians living in South Africa have repeatedly faced intimidation, harassment and xenophobic attacks over the years.
“Businesses have been destroyed. Lives have been endangered. Families have lived in fear,” he said.
“Yet successive Nigerian responses have followed the same tired script—summon diplomats, issue cautious statements, and retreat into bureaucratic inertia until the next crisis erupts.”
Atiku stressed that protecting citizens should remain the primary responsibility of any government.
“A government that waits until other nations have taken the lead before acting sends a dangerous signal: that the lives of its citizens are negotiable,” he said.
“It is frankly humiliating that Ghana, with far fewer diplomatic resources and citizens abroad, projected stronger leadership and clearer compassion than Nigeria in this moment.”
He urged the federal government to issue a stronger travel advisory, begin evacuation plans for willing Nigerians, and intensify diplomatic engagement with South African authorities.
Atiku also called on the African Union to establish a lasting framework against xenophobic violence across the continent.
“Africa cannot continue to preach unity while tolerating periodic persecution of fellow Africans,” he said.
“And Nigeria cannot continue to posture as a continental leader while behaving like a reluctant observer.”
He further urged the ministry of foreign affairs to handle the situation with greater urgency and competence.
Meanwhile, more than 130 Nigerians in South Africa have reportedly registered voluntarily for repatriation following attacks targeting foreign nationals.