Tinubu Reconsiders South African Envoy Meeting After Ramaphosa’s Intervention

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly agreed to receive a special envoy from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, following an initial decision not to grant the delegation an audience amid renewed concerns over attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

The South African delegation, led by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, arrived in Abuja on Friday, July 24, 2026, reportedly carrying a message from President Ramaphosa. The delegation was initially unable to secure a meeting with President Tinubu, according to diplomatic sources cited by local media.

The development came against the backdrop of renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians and their businesses in South Africa. Nigerian authorities have also raised concerns about alleged attacks on citizens and the need for stronger measures to protect Nigerians living and working in the country.

The initial decision not to receive the envoy was reportedly linked to the Nigerian government’s position that South Africa needed to take more concrete steps to address recurring xenophobic incidents and related concerns. Among the issues reportedly raised was the implementation of an Early Warning Mechanism agreed upon by the two countries to improve cooperation in preventing and responding to threats against citizens.

Nigeria has continued to press for stronger continental action against xenophobia and attacks targeting African nationals. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu at a recent ECOWAS summit, reportedly condemned such attacks and called for a coordinated African response.

The Federal Government has also undertaken the evacuation of Nigerians affected by xenophobic tensions in South Africa, while discussions have reportedly been initiated over compensation for citizens who suffered losses to their businesses and properties.

However, diplomatic efforts appear to have eased the immediate impasse. According to a subsequent report, President Ramaphosa reportedly made a telephone call to President Tinubu over the weekend, after which the Nigerian President agreed to meet the South African delegation.

The latest development suggests that, despite growing tensions over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa, both countries are seeking to maintain diplomatic channels and address the dispute through high-level engagement.

The precise details of the proposed meeting and any commitments expected from the South African government had not been publicly disclosed at the time of the latest report.

The episode nevertheless underscores the increasing diplomatic pressure on Pretoria to address xenophobia and strengthen protections for Nigerians and other African nationals residing in South Africa.