Peter Obi has held discussions with senior South African officials and political leaders aimed at easing tensions involving Nigerians living in South Africa.

Obi arrived in the country on Friday for an international conference and began his engagements with members of the Nigerian community in Cape Town, where he sought to better understand immigration-related challenges affecting Nigerians in the diaspora.

In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, the former governor disclosed that he later met with three South African ministers and political leaders to discuss migration, economic hardship, youth unemployment, security, and the treatment of African migrants.

Among those he met were Leon Schreiber of the Democratic Alliance, Velenkosini Hlabisa, and Gayton McKenzie.

According to Obi, the discussions were “open and productive,” with particular attention given to migration-related tensions and the treatment of African foreigners in South Africa.

“I strongly believe that Nigeria and South Africa, both significant nations on the continent, must enhance dialogue, increase cooperation, and pursue solutions rooted in justice, mutual respect, and adherence to the rule of law,” Obi said.

He called on political leaders and citizens in both countries to reject violence and inflammatory rhetoric while embracing peaceful and democratic approaches to resolving disputes.

“We collectively emphasised the need for law-abiding behaviour, the importance of avoiding violence, resisting hate or provocation, and allowing lawful institutions to handle grievances through democratic and constitutional means,” he added.

Obi also stressed the need for stronger African unity and cooperation, noting that the continent’s development depends on inclusive economic growth, mutual respect, and the protection of the dignity of Africans irrespective of where they reside.

Nigeria and South Africa have experienced repeated diplomatic tensions in recent years over xenophobic attacks and concerns surrounding the treatment of Nigerian migrants and businesses in South Africa.