Controversy Surrounds Nigerian Town Hall Meeting in South Africa

In a move that has sparked controversy within the Nigerian community in South Africa, the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) is set to host a town hall meeting at the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg on February 4th at 5 pm. The event has drawn criticism from various quarters, with some labelling it as “illegal” and disruptive to ongoing unification efforts.

The planned meeting, which aims to bring together delegates from Nigerian community associations, state unions, and stakeholders across South Africa, has raised eyebrows due to its timing and organizers. Two special guest speakers from Nigeria’s House of Representatives are expected to attend: Hon. Tochukwu Okere, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Matters, and Hon. Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts.

The Nigerian Consulate in Illovo, Johannesburg, the venue of the planned Nigerian Townhall meeting

However, the legitimacy of NICASA’s role in organizing this event has been called into question. A source close to the matter, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “It’s perplexing that an organization officially ‘dissolved’ by the Nigerian High Commission is now hosting government officials. This seems to undermine the ongoing reconciliation process.”

The controversy stems from a complex backdrop of community politics. The leadership of the Nigerian community in South Africa has been contested between the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA), established in 2008, and NICASA, formed in 2020. In an attempt to address these divisions, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria set up a Consultative Committee on October 25, 2024, to consolidate all Nigerian residents in South Africa into one officially recognized organization.

Adding to the confusion, on November 7, 2024, the Nigerian High Commission issued a press release stating that it no longer recognizes any umbrella Nigerian community organization in South Africa. The statement, signed by Mr Buhari Daura, declared that both NUSA and NICASA had been “technically dissolved.” Click to see pages 1 and 2 of the letter.

Ohaneze Ndigbo South Africa, the apex umbrella organization for Igbos in South Africa, has openly condemned the upcoming town hall meeting. In an open letter released on February 3rd, they described the event as “illegal” and an “attempt to disrupt the unification and reconciliation process.” The organization has stated its unwillingness to participate in the meeting.

A community leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed concern: “While engagement between diaspora Nigerians and government officials is crucial, this event’s organization by an unrecognized body within government premises is problematic. It could have been more appropriately hosted by the Unification Committee, which represents all geopolitical regions of Nigeria.”

As the Nigerian community in South Africa grapples with these internal divisions, many are calling for a united front to address the challenges faced in their host country. The outcome of this controversial town hall meeting and its impact on the ongoing unification efforts remains to be seen.

The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and NICASA representatives were contacted for comment but had not responded by the time of publication.

This developing story highlights the complexities of diaspora politics and the challenges of maintaining unity within expatriate communities. As the situation unfolds, many will be watching to see how this event impacts the broader efforts to consolidate and strengthen the Nigerian community in South Africa.

Post Views: 1

Olunloyo Akindele Olufemi

Geopolitical Blogger

I love Lagos and Johannesburg. Lagostojozi Blog promotes cooperation and unity between these African megacities, fostering healthy relations and social cohesion.