Nigeria’s importation of goods from South Africa rose by 23.83 per cent to N155.26bn in the first quarter of 2026, during a period of escalating diplomatic tensions. Beyond politics, the numbers suggest trade between the countries has remained resilient as leaders call for calm, ARINZE NWAFOR reports
Nigeria’s imports from South Africa increased by 23.83 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, despite escalating diplomatic tensions sparked by fresh xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.
Recent foreign trade data revealed that Nigeria imported goods worth N155.26bn from South Africa in Q1 2026, up from N125.38bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
The increase came amid worsening relations between Abuja and Pretoria following recent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, which have prompted the Federal Government to evacuate affected citizens and consider diplomatic measures against the Southern African nation.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicated that South Africa remained one of Nigeria’s major import sources, with total imports from the country standing at N535.29bn in 2025, although lower than the N568.59bn recorded in 2024.
The figures also showed that trade between both countries reached its highest levels in 2024 and 2025. Imports from South Africa stood at N291bn in 2023, N237.24bn in 2022 and N212.25bn in 2021.
The latest trade growth comes as diplomatic relations between both countries face fresh strain over attacks against Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa.
The reported on Tuesday that at least 270 Nigerians were expected to arrive in Lagos as the first batch of returnees from South Africa following the attacks.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the evacuees were scheduled to depart Johannesburg aboard an Air Peace aircraft as part of efforts by the Federal Government to assist affected citizens.
Earlier, the Federal Government expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as South Africa’s inadequate response to the attacks.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the Federal Government was considering retaliatory diplomatic measures and a review of bilateral privileges.
“Our citizens are being harassed. Our citizens’ properties are being looted. Criminal actions are being perpetrated, and the police refuse to do anything. The South African government has not come out strongly and firmly enough to condemn these incidents,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
She added, “To say that Nigerians who are in South Africa doing legitimate business are illegal migrants is absolutely untrue. People who are doing legitimate business have their shops looted, their shops set on fire. Children cannot go to school because they are intimidated in their schools.”
The latest attacks reportedly claimed the lives of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, in separate incidents linked to rising anti-foreigner sentiment.
However, business stakeholders have cautioned against retaliatory actions that could affect economic ties and investments between the two countries.
The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise warned that proposals to target South African investments in Nigeria could undermine investor confidence and damage bilateral relations.
Chief Executive Officer of the CPPE, Dr Muda Yusuf, said, “The incidents in South Africa are not reflective of official South African government policy; rather, they are acts of criminality perpetrated by non-state actors driven largely by socio-economic frustrations.”
He added, “However, extreme responses by the Nigerian government, as proposed by some members of the National Assembly, such as targeting South African investments in Nigeria, revoking operating licences of South African firms, or nationalising South African-owned assets, would be inappropriate, disproportionate, and counterproductive.
“Such measures could damage longstanding bilateral relations, weaken investors’ confidence, and undermine the broader objective of African economic integration. The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise strongly advises against any such course of action.”
Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced tougher measures to address irregular migration, including stricter penalties for employers who hire undocumented migrants and the establishment of dedicated courts to speed up deportation cases.
Ramaphosa, however, cautioned citizens against taking immigration enforcement into their own hands, stressing that responsibility for enforcing the law rests with the state.
The rising trade figures suggest that economic relations between Nigeria and South Africa have remained resilient despite recurring diplomatic disputes and concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in the country.