By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Johannesburg
The Akwa Ibom Indigenes Organisation in South Africa has called for stronger diplomatic and community-based measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals from xenophobic attacks and improve their integration into South African society.
The organisation made the call in a policy proposal submitted by its president, Dr Akaninyene Friday Willie, a Nigerian resident in South Africa.
Willie urged the Nigerian Consulate in South Africa to strengthen communication with relevant South African authorities to ensure prompt response to issues involving immigration, legal protection and relations between Nigerian and South African communities.
He also proposed a framework for recognising African nationals who contributed to the anti-apartheid struggle, including consideration of permanent residence for those who can be verified and who meet South African legal requirements.
The group called for the establishment of migrant welfare and integration programmes covering healthcare, legal assistance, language training and vocational skills.
It also advocated community resource centres where Nigerians and other migrants could access reliable information and support, particularly in areas where migrants are vulnerable to exploitation or conflict.
On youth engagement, the organisation proposed Pan-African conferences and cultural exchange programmes aimed at promoting shared African history, mutual respect and understanding among young people.
It further called for stronger Nigeria-South Africa economic cooperation in trade, skills transfer and small-business development, arguing that improved economic opportunities could help reduce social tensions between host and migrant communities.
The organisation also recommended certified vocational training, STEM education and entrepreneurship programmes for Nigerians in South Africa to improve employability and encourage lawful enterprise.
To prevent conflicts from escalating, the group proposed community-based mediation structures in high-risk areas, with trained mediators drawn from both Nigerian and South African communities.
According to Willie, such structures could help resolve disputes before they escalate while maintaining links with law enforcement agencies and consular officials.
The organisation said the Nigerian community remained committed to peaceful coexistence, lawful conduct and constructive contributions to South Africa.
It urged the Nigerian Consulate and South African authorities to consider the proposals as part of broader efforts to reduce xenophobic tensions and strengthen relations between the two countries.
The Akwa Ibom Indigenes Organisation said it was prepared to support the implementation of any initiatives adopted by the relevant authorities.
