Nigerians living abroad are increasingly facing hostility and harsh treatment from host countries
Nigerians living abroad are increasingly facing hostility and harsh treatment from host countries, with analysts linking the situation to perceptions of crime, poverty, corruption, and an “offensive lifestyle.”
At a recent conference in Abuja, a South African academic recalled Nigeria’s past reputation fondly. “We were taught by good Nigerian professors, we ate the same food, stayed in the same hostels… Back then, it was a true African rising reality,” he said. Similarly, 83-year-old Ademola Oyemade remembered when Nigerians were admired for their role in anti-apartheid struggles, saying, “They said our foreign policy then was Africa First… We were really respected then.”
Today, however, Nigerians are frequently targeted in xenophobic attacks, face discrimination at airports, and are often linked to crime. “Foreign immigrations cannot easily spot Nigerians among other African nationals, but the green passport gives us away,” traveller Efemena Ochuko lamented.
Experts urged government action through NiDCOM, stronger anti-corruption measures, and domestic reforms to rebrand Nigeria’s image and curb ill-treatment abroad.