The Nigerian consulate in Johannesburg has issued a warning to its citizens residing in South Africa, urging them to exercise caution as nationwide demonstrations against foreigners are set to take place on Monday, May 4, 2026. The advisory, released on Sunday, was signed by Consul General Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, who emphasized the need for vigilance following intelligence reports of coordinated protests across all nine provinces of the country.
According to the diplomatic mission, anti-foreigner groups have been rallying residents through circulated messages, calling for a complete shutdown to demand that authorities take action against foreign nationals. Organizers claim that foreigners are unfairly benefiting from South Africa’s resources and are advocating for the departure of both documented and undocumented migrants. Street marches are planned to push for this goal.
While specific gathering points remain unconfirmed in most cities, demonstrators in Johannesburg are expected to assemble at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown. The march is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., with a memorandum to be presented to officials around noon. Security concerns are high, with potential disruptions anticipated in major business districts such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban.
The consulate strongly advised Nigerians to avoid any engagement or confrontation with protesters. ‘All Nigerian nationals are urged to steer clear of demonstrators and to refrain from any form of conflict,’ the statement read. Citizens were also encouraged to stay updated through local media and to take necessary safety measures. Additionally, Nigerian business owners were advised to consider temporarily closing their shops during the protest period, as foreign-owned establishments may be at risk.