IYAMIDR urges Nigeria to sanction South Africa, support returnees

The Initiative for Youth Awareness on Migration, Immigration, Development and Reintegration (IYAMIDR) Nigeria has called on the Nigerian government to impose diplomatic and economic consequences on South Africa over the recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians, while urging authorities to provide comprehensive support for citizens who have returned home.

In a statement issued on July 1 and signed by the organisation’s Executive Director, Solomon Okoduwa, IYAMIDR commended the Federal Government and the Edo State Government for coordinating the rescue and safe return of Nigerians affected by the violence in Southern Africa.

The organisation, however, said the successful evacuation of victims should not mark the end of the government’s response, stressing that those responsible for failing to prevent the attacks must be held accountable.

According to IYAMIDR, the repeated incidents of xenophobic violence represent a political and moral failure on the part of South African authorities. It urged the Nigerian government to adopt targeted diplomatic and political sanctions, including a review of bilateral agreements and increased scrutiny of South African investments operating in Nigeria.

The group also called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Presidency and the National Assembly to publish a clear sanctions and engagement framework within 14 days.

Beyond diplomatic action, IYAMIDR appealed to both the federal and state governments to establish an emergency Reintegration and Livelihood Fund for returnees.

It said many of those evacuated lost businesses, homes and livelihoods during the attacks and now require psychosocial support, medical care, skills assessment, housing assistance and financial grants to rebuild their lives.

The organisation stressed that any intervention fund should be transparent, independently monitored and include mechanisms through which beneficiaries can report delays or corruption.

IYAMIDR further urged the Edo State Government to move beyond receiving returnees by fully implementing its Reintegration Master Plan.

According to the group, the plan should focus on employment opportunities, cooperative financing, trauma counselling and community-based programmes aimed at restoring the dignity and economic independence of returnees.

The organisation maintained that the issue extends beyond South Africa, describing it as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens wherever they may be.

IYAMIDR pledged to continue monitoring developments and advocating for justice, accountability and effective reintegration of Nigerians affected by the attacks.