Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, has assured that Nigerians living in South Africa are safe despite recent xenophobic tensions in parts of the country.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief programme on Monday, Ajayi said Nigerians are not under siege and that both the Nigerian and South African governments are working together to maintain safety.

“Let me first make the point that right now, Nigerians are not under siege in South Africa. The situation is currently under control. The governments are working on it,” he said.

He added that the priority of both governments is to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens, including foreigners.

The envoy’s remarks followed recent anti-foreigner protests and incidents of violence reported in areas such as Durban, Cape Town, and East London, where some foreign-owned shops were allegedly looted, and immigrants were asked to leave.

Ajayi described the incidents as isolated tensions rather than coordinated attacks against Nigerians.

“What we have seen is a kind of isolated tension, and that is why it calls for caution.

“But in terms of direct attack or direct siege on Nigerians, that is not taking place right now,” he said.

He noted that South African authorities, including the police commissioner, had warned against xenophobic behaviour and targeting foreigners.

Ajayi, who spoke from Pretoria, said the situation in Pretoria and Johannesburg remained calm.

“For now, I am particularly in Pretoria right now, and the situation is relatively calm. Also in Johannesburg, it is calm,” he said.

He explained that the earlier unrest in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly Durban, had been contained.

Reacting to a viral video showing some foreigners allegedly denied access to a building, the ambassador said those involved do not represent the broader South African population.

“Those people you are seeing don’t represent the entire South African community. They are just people acting on their paymasters,” he said.

He said the Nigerian mission had issued advisories urging Nigerians to remain calm, obey local laws, and respect customs.

The Federal Government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, had earlier advised Nigerians in South Africa to exercise caution, stay indoors where necessary, and in some cases temporarily close businesses.