For thousands of Nigerians who crossed into South Africa in search of greener pastures, the promise of a better life has been overshadowed by fear. Over the past two decades, repeated waves of xenophobic violence have left businesses looted, homes destroyed, livelihood wiped out and, in many cases, the loss of lives. Behind every attack is not just another headline but years of investment erased overnight and families forced to start afresh.
The economic cost extends far beyond individual victims, as Nigeria has lost billions of Naira in destroyed businesses, human casualties and abandoned properties- while diplomatic relations between Africa’s two largest economies have reportedly stalled. Yet despite countless condemnations and high-level engagements, the cycle of violence continues, as at the time of pulling this explainer.
To this end, this piece will examine the true cost of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa between 2022 and 2026, tracing the human
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