President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly declined to receive a special envoy from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa,
The reported decision has drawn attention because it comes amid renewed outrage over attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.
The development follows the reported death of Nigerian citizen Chika Ibe, who was allegedly tortured to death during a police operation in Bellville, Cape Town.
According to diplomatic sources, the South African delegation arrived in Abuja on Friday, July 24, carrying what was described as a “very important message” from President Ramaphosa. The delegation was led by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola.
However, the delegation reportedly failed to secure a meeting with President Tinubu.
Sources familiar with the matter said Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, advised that the meeting should not go ahead at this time. According to the sources, the minister insisted that South Africa must first demonstrate stronger commitment to previous agreements before further diplomatic engagement.
The reported refusal came less than a day after news emerged of the alleged killing of Chika Ibe. Videos circulating online also fueled public anger after showing what appeared to be South African police officers assaulting a Nigerian man before his death.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has continued to maintain a firm position against xenophobic attacks targeting its citizens.
At the recent ECOWAS summit held in Lungi, Sierra Leone, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu, condemned the attacks while promising stronger diplomatic efforts.
Speaking on the recurring Afrophobic attacks targeting African nationals in South Africa, Shettima called for a united continental response to protect the rights and dignity of Africans living across the continent.
He also disclosed that the Federal Government had previously evacuated 1,490 Nigerians affected by earlier xenophobic violence.
Furthermore, diplomatic sources revealed that Nigeria wants South Africa to submit a signed copy of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Early Warning Mechanism before any fresh high-level discussions take place.
The agreement was signed by both countries in Abuja on October 22, 2025.
However, Nigerian officials claim South Africa has yet to ratify the document.
The Early Warning Mechanism was designed to improve communication between both countries whenever threats emerge against their citizens.
In addition, it aims to prevent xenophobic attacks, improve citizen protection and strengthen cooperation on consular matters.
Officials believe the agreement could also help affected Nigerians pursue compensation for businesses and properties destroyed during previous attacks.
However, compensation has reportedly not been paid to many victims.
Meanwhile, officials at the Presidency reportedly confirmed that President Tinubu had not agreed to meet the delegation as of the time this report was filed.
Reports also suggested that President Ramaphosa initiated a telephone conversation over the weekend. However, the outcome of that discussion remained unclear.
According to one diplomatic source, “Observers believe South Africa’s diplomatic outreach may be driven by concerns over the potential impact of deteriorating relations on South African investments and businesses operating in Nigeria, as well as Nigeria’s growing campaign for tougher continental measures against xenophobia and Afrophobic attacks.”
Nevertheless, both countries are expected to continue discussions through diplomatic channels as efforts continue to improve citizen protection and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
