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A Call to Unity and Focus: Overcoming Challenges Facing Nigerians in South Africa By George Omagbemi Sylvester
A Call to Unity and Focus: Overcoming Challenges Facing Nigerians in South Africa
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
The Nigerian community in South Africa represents one of the most vibrant and dynamic African diasporas on the continent. Comprising students, entrepreneurs, professionals, and families, Nigerians have contributed significantly to the socio-economic and cultural landscape of their host country. From pioneering businesses to excelling in academic and healthcare institutions, their presence is both visible and impactful.
However, beneath the surface of progress and resilience lie persistent challenges that threaten the peace, safety, and dignity of this community. These challenges—ranging from police brutality and lack of documentation to harassment, xenophobic violence, and political neglect—continue to define the lived experiences of many Nigerians in South Africa.
This piece is both a call to unity and a plea for purposeful action. It is an appeal for Nigerians in South Africa to rise above internal divisions—whether tribal, religious, or political—and refocus on the shared vision of securing justice, dignity, and equal opportunity for all. It is only through a unified, strategic, and internationally informed response that we can collectively address the systemic and social issues confronting our people.
Understanding the Challenges
1. Police Brutality and Unlawful Arrests
One of the most pressing concerns is the recurring issue of police brutality. Numerous reports by human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and local advocacy groups, have consistently highlighted cases where Nigerians are disproportionately targeted by law enforcement agencies. From unwarranted stop-and-search operations to physical abuse and extortion, many members of the Nigerian diaspora live in perpetual anxiety, fearing encounters with authorities meant to uphold their safety.
Historically, the mistrust between immigrant communities and law enforcement in South Africa is rooted in post-apartheid socio-political dynamics. The police force, often under-resourced and inadequately trained in diversity management, has sometimes defaulted to racial profiling. Nigerians, often stereotyped as drug traffickers or scammers, bear the brunt of this systemic bias. These actions not only contravene Section 9 of the South African Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law, but also violate international human rights instruments such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
2. Lack of Proper Documentation
The issue of documentation is a complex interplay of bureaucratic inefficiencies, immigration policy shifts, and misinformation. Many Nigerians encounter protracted delays in securing residency, asylum, or work permits, often due to policy changes or restrictive visa frameworks aimed at curbing irregular migration. The South African Department of Home Affairs has been criticized for slow processing times, opaque requirements, and inconsistencies in documentation procedures.
For undocumented Nigerians, the consequences are severe. They face exploitation by unscrupulous landlords and employers, limited access to healthcare, and the inability to enroll their children in public schools. Without legal status, they are also left out of the protection net offered by South African labor laws, exposing them to unsafe working conditions and wage theft.
This situation reflects a broader economic reality: South Africa, like many nations, is grappling with high unemployment and poverty, making immigration a politically sensitive issue. Unfortunately, immigrants—particularly from other African countries—are often scapegoated in public discourse.
3. Harassment, Xenophobia, and Violence
Perhaps the most alarming of all is the recurrent wave of xenophobic violence that has periodically erupted across South African cities. From the violent uprisings in 2008 to more recent attacks in 2019, Nigerians have frequently been among the primary targets. These attacks have led to loss of life, destruction of property, and psychological trauma within the community.
Culturally, these acts of violence contradict the spirit of Ubuntu—an African philosophy that emphasizes communal values, human dignity, and hospitality. Politically, they reflect the failure of successive administrations to effectively address socio-economic disparities and to lead public opinion away from xenophobic sentiments.
Internationally, such violence has strained South Africa’s diplomatic relations with countries like Nigeria. The 2019 attacks, for instance, prompted diplomatic protests, economic retaliations, and calls for stronger protections for foreign nationals. It underscored the need for sustained bilateral dialogue and continental cooperation under frameworks like the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions “an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa.”
The Need for Unity
In the face of these adversities, unity among Nigerians in South Africa is not optional—it is imperative. Unfortunately, internal fragmentation based on ethnicity, religion, or personal ambition has often undermined collective advocacy efforts. The Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, and other ethnic subgroups sometimes operate in silos, diminishing their collective bargaining power.
Yet, diversity should be a strength, not a stumbling block. Nigeria’s cultural richness, forged through centuries of inter-ethnic interaction, must be mirrored in the diaspora. Whether through pan-Nigerian associations like the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA), professional bodies, or interfaith coalitions, there is a pressing need to organize around shared interests rather than sectional loyalties.
A unified Nigerian voice is more likely to influence South African policy, engage international organizations like the UNHCR or the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and partner effectively with civil society actors in promoting justice and reform.
Strategic Responses and the Path Forward
1. Legal Advocacy and Community Empowerment
There must be an intentional investment in legal literacy and access to justice. Community-based organizations should regularly host legal clinics to inform Nigerians of their rights, including what to do during police encounters, how to contest unlawful detentions, and how to file complaints with oversight bodies like the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
Establishing legal defense funds and partnering with South African law firms or university law clinics can provide pro bono support. Furthermore, by pursuing litigation and filing public interest cases, the Nigerian community can help shape jurisprudence that protects all immigrants in South Africa.
2. Engagement with Host Authorities
Engagement with local and national government structures is crucial. Nigerians must participate in town hall meetings, integrate into ward committees, and attend public consultations on urban safety and integration policies.
The Nigerian diplomatic mission, including the High Commission and consulates, must play a more assertive role. Consular outreach, passport renewal drives, and emergency hotlines must be streamlined to provide timely and effective assistance. Diplomatically, Nigeria must also leverage bilateral relations—using trade ties, continental influence, and multilateral platforms—to ensure the rights of its citizens are respected abroad.
3. Media and Narrative Control
The media is a powerful tool in shaping perceptions. Community leaders, content creators, and journalists must challenge toxic stereotypes and highlight the success stories of Nigerians in South Africa. This could be through social media campaigns, documentaries, community radio programs, or contributions to mainstream outlets.
Public relations efforts should emphasize the positive economic impact Nigerians make—as business owners who create jobs, as healthcare workers saving lives, and as innovators advancing technology. A shift in narrative is essential for social inclusion and long-term peace.
4. Youth Engagement and Leadership Development
Youth are not just the future; they are the present. We must invest in building leadership capacities among young Nigerians through mentorship programs, civic education, entrepreneurship incubators, and digital literacy initiatives.
Organizations should create youth councils that are actively involved in decision-making, event planning, and advocacy campaigns. Cultivating young leaders ensures sustainability and infuses community efforts with energy and innovation.
A Time for Reflection and Action
This is a defining moment for Nigerians in South Africa. It is a time to reflect deeply on our shared journey—how far we have come, the hurdles we continue to face, and the future we must build together. The challenges are real, but they are not insurmountable.
Let us recommit ourselves to the ideals of unity, resilience, and strategic action. As we prepare for community milestones such as the upcoming inauguration and the launch of our cultural magazine, let these events serve not only as celebrations but also as rallying points—a call to purpose, vision, and collective responsibility.
By embracing unity and focusing our energies on building alliances, advocating for justice, and strengthening our institutions, we can overcome adversity and leave behind a legacy of strength and dignity for the generations to come.
news
Ramadan 2026: Let’s Be United, Shina Akanni Urges Muslims.
Ramadan 2026: Let’s Be United, Shina Akanni Urges Muslims.
As Muslims all over the world begins the 30 days compulsory fasting and prayer today,top Fuji Musician Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido has congratulates them for witnessing another month of Ramadan.
Akanni advised them to follow the teachings of the the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) which is peaceful co existence among themselves and their neighbor ‘because Islam is Religion of peace”.
He said the month of Ramadan is an holy month therefore Muslims should try as much as they can to maintain peaceful coexistence among themselves and others and that they should see themselves as ambassador of peace.
While praying for Nigeria,Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido said he believes that there will be an economic turnaround soon because what’s is happening now are signs of thought times that never last “if we can pecevere things will get better”.
The Scorpido crooner who recently released a hip hop single titled “Magbelo” said he is currently working on a complete album which will be released before the end of the year.
Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido whose last album ‘ABCD” is still in hot demand said that his next album will be a pot pouri of all kinds of music because his brand of Fuji music is a blend Fuji , Hip-hop,Apala ,Highlife and others.
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The Enemies Within: Jonahs Are Not Manageable — Dr. Chris Okafor
The Enemies Within:
Jonahs Are Not Manageable — Dr. Chris Okafor
…….“To remove Jonah, you must bring Jesus into the matter.”
When a “Jonah” enters a person’s life, confusion, gossip, blackmail, betrayal, and the pull-him-down syndrome often follow. But the moment Jesus Christ is invited into the situation, the storm subsides and stability is restored.
This was the central message delivered by the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr. Chris Okafor, during the midweek non-denominational Prophetic Healing, Deliverance and Solutions Service (PHDS) held at the international headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.
The Clergyman also declared that Nothing Happens Without Spiritual Influence
In his sermon titled “The Enemies Within,” Dr. Okafor declared that nothing happens without spiritual involvement. According to him, every visible battle has an invisible root.
Referencing the biblical story of Jonah, the Man of God explained that Jonah’s presence on the ship gave access to a contrary spirit that tormented everyone onboard.
Despite the losses suffered by innocent traders and sailors, the storm persisted because of one man’s disobedience.
However, he noted that when Jesus speaks into a situation, every storm must obey. Just as Christ rebuked the storm and it ceased, so too will the storms in believers’ lives subside when He is invited into their “boat.”
*The Impact of a Jonah*
Dr. Okafor further emphasized that “Jonahs” are difficult to manage. When such individuals are present in one’s circle, progress becomes delayed.
What should ordinarily manifest quickly may be prolonged or frustrated because someone close—someone who understands you deeply—may be operating as a spiritual adversary.
He explained that negative narratives, unnecessary battles, and unexplained setbacks often begin when a “Jonah” gains access to a person’s inner circle.
*The Solution*
“To remove Jonah from the boat of your life,” the Generational Prophet declared, “you must invite Jesus Christ into the matter.”
According to him, when Jesus takes control of the boat, the plans of the enemy are overturned.
What was designed for downfall becomes a testimony. No storm or battle can succeed where Christ reigns, and the enemy is ultimately put to shame.
The midweek service witnessed a strong prophetic atmosphere, with the power of God evident through deliverance, restoration, and divine revelations.
The Generational Prophet ministered deeply in the prophetic, calling out names, villages, and addressing alleged spiritual strongholds, as many lives were reportedly restored—all to the glory of God.
By Sunday Adeyemi
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FROM BORDER TO MARKETS: HOW NIGERIA’S REFORMS ARE REWRITING AND MODERNISING TRADE FACILITATION By O’tega Ogra
FROM BORDER TO MARKETS: HOW NIGERIA’S REFORMS ARE REWRITING AND MODERNISING TRADE FACILITATION
By O’tega Ogra
On the surface, the 2026 World Customs Organization (WCO) Technology Conference in Abu Dhabi, held in the last week of January, followed a familiar script: flags, formal sessions, carefully worded speeches. But beneath the choreography, something more consequential was unfolding. As customs chiefs and trade officials compared notes on the future of borders, Nigeria arrived not with theory, but with a working proposition.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Modernisation Project, being implemented through Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Limited, unveiled to a global audience of customs administrators and policy leaders a window into how Africa’s largest economy is confronting one of the most complex challenges in public administration: reforming the machinery of trade while it is still running.
For decades, customs reform was treated largely as a technical exercise—frequent patches here, shoddy fixes there; new software in one corner, revised procedures in another. Nigeria’s presence in Abu Dhabi signalled something different. TMP Limited, working in partnership with the NCS, advanced the argument that trade is a cornerstone of economic development and must be supported by organic, sustainable partner ecosystems. Such ecosystems deliver speed and trust, revenue and credibility, and secure borders without stifling commerce.
That argument resonated in a room increasingly aware that global trade is no longer defined solely by tariffs and treaties, but by data, interoperability, and the quiet efficiency of systems that simply work.
The annual WCO Technology Conference has, in recent years, become a barometer for the direction of global trade governance. This year’s discussions reflected a shared anxiety: supply chains are more fragile, compliance risks are rising, and governments face mounting pressure to collect revenue without discouraging investment. Customs administrations now sit at the intersection of all three.
Nigeria’s response has been to attempt a full reset.
At the heart of this effort is the NCS Modernisation Project, implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with TMP Limited as the concessionaire. The project seeks to replace fragmented technology deployments and manual processes within the Nigeria Customs Service with a single, integrated framework. This is anchored on B’Odogwu, a Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) that brings together cargo clearance, risk management, payments, and inter-agency collaboration. The ambition is sweeping—and so are the stakes.
Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu, OON, Chairman of TMP, framed the initiative as nothing less than an institutional reconstruction, designed to position the NCS at the forefront of global customs administration technology, aligned with international standards and assurance frameworks.
“Digital trade modernisation is not just about upgrading systems,” he told participants in Abu Dhabi. “It is about upgrading trust, predictability, and confidence in how trade flows through our borders.”
That choice of words matters. Nigeria’s economy has long struggled with the perception gap between its size and the ease of doing business. Investors cite delays. Traders complain of opacity. Government points to revenue leakages. In this context, customs reform becomes as much a credibility project as a technical one.
Saleh’s message was timely and direct: modern trade demands modern customs. Data-driven processes, automation, and risk-based controls are no longer luxuries; they are prerequisites for competitiveness in a world where capital moves faster than policy.
The institutional face of this digital transformation is the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who led Nigeria’s delegation to Abu Dhabi. His message reflected a subtle but important shift in how customs leadership now understands its role.
“Customs administrations today must evolve from gatekeepers to facilitators of legitimate trade,” Adeniyi said. “Nigeria’s customs modernisation project reflects our determination to place the Nigeria Customs Service at the centre of national economic transformation.”
It is a familiar refrain globally, but one that carries particular weight in Nigeria, where customs revenue remains a critical pillar of public finance. Automation, Adeniyi argued, is not about weakening control; it is about strengthening it through intelligence rather than discretion.
Risk management systems reduce unnecessary physical inspections. Integrated platforms limit human contact. Data analytics improve compliance targeting. When executed well, the result is faster clearance for compliant traders and tighter scrutiny for high-risk consignments.
In Abu Dhabi, peers from Asia, Europe, and Latin America listened closely to Nigeria’s presentation. Reforming customs in a small, open economy is one thing. Doing so in a market of over 200 million people, home to some of Africa’s busiest ports and its largest economy, is quite another.
Nigeria’s engagement emphasised that customs modernisation is embedded within a broader economic reform agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Simplifying trade procedures, strengthening revenue assurance, and aligning with international standards form part of a wider effort to reposition the economy for investment-led growth.
What makes the project particularly noteworthy is its insistence on end-to-end coherence. Rather than digitising isolated functions, the reform aims to connect agencies, harmonise data, and reduce duplication across government—an all-of-government approach that acknowledges an uncomfortable truth: trade friction is often created not at the border, but between institutions.
The WCO 2026 Technology Conference offered Nigeria more than a platform; it provided a stress test. Questions from peers were pointed. How will change be sustained across political cycles? How will capacity be built? How will entrenched institutional behaviours be unlearned?
The responses were pragmatic. Reform is being phased. Training programmes are ongoing. International benchmarks are being adopted not as slogans, but as operating standards. There were no claims of perfection—only a clear statement of intent.
“Our engagement here underscores Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation,” Adeniyi noted. “We are learning, sharing, and contributing to global conversations on the future of customs administration.”
That contribution matters. As Africa moves to deepen regional trade under continental frameworks, customs efficiency will determine whether integration succeeds in practice or remains aspirational on paper. Nigeria’s experience, if successful, could offer a valuable template for other developing economies navigating similar constraints.
In Abu Dhabi, the mood was cautious but curious. Reform fatigue is real in many countries. Yet there was a growing sense that Nigeria’s effort—precisely because of its scale and difficulty—deserves attention.
Borders are rarely glamorous. But they are decisive. In choosing to modernise its borders in public, under global scrutiny, Nigeria is signalling something beyond technical competence. It is signalling seriousness.
And in global trade, seriousness still counts.
O’tega Ogra is Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, responsible for the Office of Digital Engagement, Communications and Strategy in the Presidency.
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