ABUJA, Nigeria (AP), Asukwo Mendie Archibong, a former 2019 Nigerian presidential candidate and international attorney who has lived in London, Canada, Costa Rica, the United States and Nigeria, is urging President Bola Tinubu to seat Ita Enang as Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa, warning that the absence of a substantive envoy has left Nigerians vulnerable amid renewed xenophobic tensions.
Asukwo Mendie Archibong, who contested the 2019 presidential election and has lived across multiple continents, said the delay in seating Ita Enang is unacceptable. “We need a strong diplomatic presence in Pretoria to protect our people and engage South Africa at the highest level,” he told reporters in Abuja. His remarks follow Tinubu’s September 2023 recall of all ambassadors as part of a foreign service overhaul, which left many missions under chargés d’affaires.
Nigeria’s embassy in Pretoria has operated without a full ambassador for nearly three years, a gap critics say has weakened Abuja’s ability to respond to xenophobic violence. On March 5, 2026, Nigeria summoned South Africa’s acting high commissioner over anti-African migrant protests, joining Ghana and Mozambique in raising alarm about rising hostility against foreign nationals.
Public reaction in Nigeria has been sharp. Advocacy groups argue that the absence of a senior envoy undermines Nigeria’s regional influence and leaves citizens vulnerable. Social media commentary has echoed frustration, with many Nigerians recalling past incidents where lack of diplomatic presence worsened tensions.
This is not the first time xenophobia has strained relations. On September 5, 2019, Nigeria recalled its High Commissioner, Kabiru Bala, and pulled out of the World Economic Summit in Cape Town after attacks on Nigerians and other foreigners. South African businesses such as MTN and Shoprite temporarily shut outlets in Nigeria as protesters targeted them. Earlier, in February 2017, fresh attacks in Pretoria and Johannesburg sparked outrage, leading Nigerian students to issue ultimatums to South African companies and prompting Abuja to summon South Africa’s ambassador.
Observers warn that without a substantive envoy, Nigeria risks losing ground in negotiations on trade, security cooperation, and diaspora protection. South Africa remains one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners, and tensions over migration and economic competition have repeatedly strained ties.
Asukwo Mendie Archibong emphasized that seating Ita Enang would send a clear signal of Nigeria’s resolve. “This is about dignity, protection, and credibility on the international stage,” he said. His comments reflect growing pressure on Tinubu’s administration to act decisively as xenophobic incidents resurface.
For Nigerians in South Africa, the absence of a full ambassador has become a symbol of vulnerability. Many say they feel abandoned, while others hope that seating Enang could restore confidence and strengthen Nigeria’s hand in protecting its citizens abroad. The debate underscores the urgency of diplomatic action as the 2027 elections approach and Nigeria seeks to reassert its influence in Africa.
