Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said Nigeria played a crucial role in the struggle that brought an end to apartheid in South Africa, arguing that the white minority rule would not have ended when it did without Nigeria’s intervention.

Obasanjo made the remarks in an interview on C-Suite Cafe, hosted by Ikem Okuhu, where he reflected on Nigeria’s role in the anti-apartheid campaign and broader decolonisation efforts across Africa.

The former president said Nigeria’s support for the struggle was based on the principle that no Black person should be regarded as inferior because of their skin colour.

He explained that Nigeria did not intervene in Southern Africa for financial or political gain but acted out of a commitment to racial equality and the liberation of Black people.

Obasanjo described the country’s approach as “enlightened self-interest” and said Nigerians should remain proud of the role the country played in the fight against apartheid.

He maintained that Nigeria’s support was instrumental to South Africa’s eventual liberation from the apartheid system.

The former president also condemned attacks against African migrants in South Africa, saying violations of immigration laws or criminal activities should be addressed through legal channels rather than through attacks on migrants, their homes or businesses.

Obasanjo acknowledged that some undocumented migrants could be involved in criminal activities but argued that unlawful conduct should not be used to justify further illegality.

He urged South African authorities to address the grievances and economic frustrations of citizens through effective policies instead of allowing migrants to become targets of attacks.