Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the renewed anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa, accusing the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of responding too slowly to threats against Nigerians living in the country.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the government’s reaction as weak and lacking the urgency expected from Africa’s most populous nation.

The former vice president said it was embarrassing that smaller African countries acted faster to protect their citizens while Nigeria delayed despite its position as a leading power on the continent.

He cited Ghana’s decision to immediately evacuate more than 300 citizens following the latest wave of xenophobic threats, arguing that Nigeria should have demonstrated similar urgency and leadership.

According to Atiku, the Federal Government appeared reactive rather than proactive at a time when Nigerians in South Africa were facing growing fears over possible attacks and hostility.

He said Nigeria had repeatedly failed to respond decisively to recurring incidents of xenophobic violence against its citizens in South Africa, despite years of intimidation, harassment and destruction of businesses belonging to Nigerians.

Atiku argued that the responsibility of any government is to protect its citizens regardless of where they reside, warning that delayed action sends the wrong signal about the value placed on Nigerian lives.

He also criticised what he described as a pattern of bureaucratic responses to previous crises, including diplomatic engagements and cautious statements that often fail to produce lasting solutions.

The former vice president called on the Federal Government to issue a stronger travel advisory, improve evacuation arrangements for willing Nigerians and intensify diplomatic engagement with South African authorities.

He further urged Nigeria to work with the African Union to establish a lasting framework against xenophobic violence across the continent.

Atiku maintained that Africa could not continue to promote continental unity while tolerating attacks and discrimination against fellow Africans.

He also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to demonstrate greater urgency and competence in responding to matters involving the safety and dignity of Nigerians abroad.