The Federal Government, on Tuesday revealed that trade relations between Nigeria and South Africa, including security and compensation for victims of xenophobic attacks, will be top priorities during President Muhammadu Buhari’s state visit to South Africa.
This revelation was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, in New York, United States.
He also pointed out that the exchange between both countries will look into how to prevent future attacks on Nigerians.
The Minister said that these issues will be tabled at the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) during the state visit.
Onyeama said, “Those who have been attacking and looting Nigerians and other Africans are issues that we have been engaging the South Africa government on. Some Nigerians have left, but it has been a private initiative.
“The government has been there to render any assistance and organising those who wanted to leave, but the evacuation has been private sector-driven.
“With regards to Nigerians living in South Africa and other countries, you know when you go to other people’s country, you should obey the laws and of course, if you don’t, invariably you have to pay the price according to the laws of those countries.
“There are Nigerians serving sentences in other countries. What we do is to provide consulate assistance if there is legal assistance the consulate can offer.”
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