JOHANNESBURG - South Africa and Nigeria have agreed to lower tensions and strengthen cooperation following recent diplomatic engagements in Abuja.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola met with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discuss migration, cross-border crime and bilateral relations.
During the visit, Lamola outlined three specific areas of concern that have heightened recent tensions between the two countries, including the purported installation of an "Igbo King" in the Eastern Cape in March 2026 and the involvement of certain Nigerians in organised crime.
DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the two countries have agreed to improve communication, counter misinformation and fast-track an early warning mechanism to address issues before they escalate.
He said the two countries agreed to de-escalate the public rhetoric that has been inflammatory in recent days.
South Africa and Nigeria have agreed to an early warning mechanism where issues affecting both countries will be flagged immediately and addressed at a bilateral level.
"South Africa has signed that agreement already. We are just waiting for our Nigerian counterparts to sign it at the level of the foreign minister, and they undertook to fulfill that obligation," Phiri said.