Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has disclosed that South Africa is yet to sign a proposed Memorandum of Understanding aimed at protecting Nigerians and other Africans during xenophobic attacks.

Dabiri-Erewa made the disclosure during an X Space discussion organised by The Progressive NG on the theme, “Leveraging Diaspora Strength for Nigeria’s Next Phase of Growth.”

According to her, the agreement, known as the Early Warning Signal Mechanism, was designed to ensure rapid intervention by South African authorities whenever Nigerians face threats or attacks.

She explained that discussions around the pact began about six years ago, but the South African government had yet to complete the signing process.

Dabiri-Erewa said the agreement would make it mandatory for South African authorities to respond swiftly in situations involving attacks or threats against Nigerians living in the country.

She added that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had continued diplomatic engagements with South African officials in an effort to finalise the agreement.

The NiDCOM boss also appealed to Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions amid concerns over xenophobic incidents.

She further revealed that Ghana had requested that the issue of xenophobia in South Africa be included for discussion at the next meeting of the African Union.