Nigerians in South Africa Urge Fani-Kayode to Fix Passport Delays, Tackle Xenophobia
The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has called on the newly appointed Nigerian High Commissioner
to South Africa, Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode, to urgently address prolonged passport processing
delays, xenophobic attacks and the harassment of Nigerian-owned businesses.
The demands were made by NUSA President-General Attorney Smart Nwobi during a community
engagement function in Johannesburg, according to a statement issued by the association on
Wednesday.
Nwobi formally welcomed Fani-Kayode to his diplomatic assignment and pledged the organisation’s
support in tackling challenges facing Nigerians in South Africa as well as in neighbouring Lesotho and
Eswatini.
The group identified passport and documentation services as a priority concern, describing the process
of obtaining or renewing Nigerian passports at the High Commission and Consulate as slow, costly and
difficult. It urged improvements to ease the burden on citizens.
NUSA also called for stronger diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to curb xenophobic
attacks and safeguard the lives, property and interests of Nigerian citizens.
Other issues raised include the fair treatment of Nigerian entrepreneurs, better utilisation of diaspora
professionals’ expertise for national development, and the establishment of support mechanisms for
vulnerable Nigerians across Southern Africa.
The organisation expressed the view that Fani-Kayode’s appointment presents an opportunity to
strengthen relations between the Nigerian diplomatic mission and the diaspora community.
Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation, recently assumed his role as High Commissioner amid
ongoing concerns over the welfare and security of Nigerians living in South Africa.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
