The Federal Government has appealed to South Africa to take decisive action to end recurring Afrophobia attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.

This appeal was made in Abuja by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, while receiving the South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who visited as Special Envoy of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Enikanolaiye said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the meeting to address the growing concern over the attacks.

He recalled Nigeria's support for South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle and stressed that criminal suspects should be prosecuted through the courts, not subjected to mob justice.

While expressing concern over reports that some attacks occurred in the presence of security personnel, the minister warned that continued Afrophobia attacks could strain relations between both countries and undermine their shared commitment to advancing Africa's interests through platforms such as the G20 and BRICS.

He, however, expressed optimism that sustained dialogue would strengthen bilateral ties and promote African unity.

South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, reaffirmed his country's long-standing friendship with Nigeria.

He described Nigeria's support during the anti-apartheid struggle as a sacrifice South Africans would never forget and reiterated President Ramaphosa's commitment to tackling xenophobia, racism and all forms of intolerance, while pledging stronger cooperation between both nations.