By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi
Nigeria’s trade relationship with South Africa could come under pressure following renewed calls to sever diplomatic ties over the ongoing xenophobia.
The debate intensified on Tuesday after Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, urged the Federal Government to cut diplomatic relations with South Africa during plenary.
His call followed a motion on the recent killings of Nigerians in the country.
The renewed diplomatic tension comes at a time when South Africa remains Nigeria’s largest source of imports on the African continent.
According to the latest trade data, Nigeria imported goods worth N155.26 billion from South Africa in the first quarter of 2026, representing an 18.2 per cent increase from the N131.32 billion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Major imports from South Africa during the period included cargo vehicles, apples, beverage flavouring extracts.
The growing calls for tougher measures followed the Federal Government’s condemnation of the reported killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa.
Speaking during the debate, Senator Ningi argued that repeated condemnations and travel advisories had failed to protect Nigerians living in South Africa.
“Nigerians are being killed left, right and centre, and there has never been any action except condemnation,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to move beyond diplomatic protests by suspending relations with South Africa, insisting that such a step would send a strong message.
According to the FG, one of the victims, Emeka Iroegbu, allegedly died after being subjected to brutal interrogation by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28.
The calls for stronger action echo similar sentiments expressed by Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, who recently urged Nigerians to boycott South Africa economically by withholding investments in the country while encouraging South African companies to continue investing in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, analysts say any decision to downgrade diplomatic relations or encourage an economic boycott could disrupt trade flows between both countries, given the volume of imports and commercial ties linking Nigeria and South Africa.
