South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has attributed rising xenophobic tensions in parts of the country to increasing illegal immigration, warning that undocumented migration is placing pressure on jobs, public services, and social stability in vulnerable communities.

The remarks were contained in a statement published on Monday on the official website of the South African Presidency amid renewed attacks and harassment targeting foreign nationals and foreign-owned businesses in Johannesburg and surrounding areas.

Ramaphosa condemned the recent violence, stressing that the attacks do not represent South African values or official government policy. He said the incidents were being driven by criminal elements exploiting socio-economic frustrations in poorer communities.

“The recent violent protests and criminal acts directed at foreign nationals in parts of our country do not represent the views of South Africa’s people nor reflect our government’s policy,” Ramaphosa said.

He, however, linked illegal immigration to growing pressure on public resources and labour markets, warning that the situation requires urgent but lawful intervention.

“At the same time, as a society, we need to deal decisively – and within the law – with the challenge of illegal immigration, which risks our social stability, governance and national security,” he added.

The South African president noted that undocumented migration was increasing strain on healthcare, housing, and municipal services, especially in already underserved communities. He also said it was distorting the labour market by encouraging some employers to hire cheaper undocumented foreign workers instead of local citizens.

Ramaphosa further warned that illegal immigration poses risks to “social stability, governance and national security,” adding that government enforcement would be strengthened through the Border Management Authority and other security agencies.

He also disclosed that authorities would intensify action against employers who violate immigration and labour laws.

South Africa has in recent years experienced repeated waves of xenophobic violence, often linked to unemployment, inequality, and competition in informal economic sectors. These tensions have occasionally escalated into attacks on foreign nationals, particularly African migrants operating small businesses in urban communities.

Previous outbreaks in 2008 and 2015 led to deaths, displacement, and diplomatic tensions across Africa, making immigration a recurring and sensitive political issue in the country.

The latest developments come as Nigeria intensifies diplomatic engagement with South African authorities over renewed attacks on foreign nationals.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) confirmed that at least two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, were killed in separate incidents linked to anti-foreigner violence. The Nigerian government has called for stronger protection of its citizens, improved security measures, and swift prosecution of perpetrators.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner over growing concerns about the safety of Nigerian nationals.

The situation has increased diplomatic pressure on South African authorities to address xenophobic violence while balancing immigration enforcement with human rights obligations.

The post Ramaphosa Links Rising Xenophobia In South Africa To Illegal Immigration Concerns appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Nigeria’s housing sector continues to reflect a deep structural paradox — vast opportunity on one hand and a widening deficit on the other — as policymakers and stakeholders search for sustainable financing solutions to close the gap.

With millions of housing units still lacking nationwide, the urgency for innovative funding models has intensified, particularly as traditional financing systems struggle to meet growing demand driven by rapid urbanisation and population growth.

Amid this challenge, attention is increasingly turning to Nigeria’s diaspora community, whose remittances are emerging as a powerful but underutilised resource capable of transforming the country’s housing landscape.

Recent data shows that Nigerians abroad, estimated at between 17 and 20 million people, remitted about $20.1 billion into the economy in 2024 alone. However, a significant portion of these inflows remains outside formal investment channels, often directed toward consumption or informal real estate deals that are vulnerable to fraud, poor documentation and abandoned projects.

Analysts say bridging the gap between diaspora remittances and structured housing finance could unlock large-scale investment, boost foreign exchange inflows and accelerate housing delivery across the country.

It is this opportunity that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) aims to harness through its Diaspora Mortgage Loan initiative, developed in partnership with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

The initiative is designed to convert remittance flows into structured capital for housing development, while also providing Nigerians abroad with a secure and transparent pathway to homeownership.

Speaking on the programme, the Managing Director of FMBN, Shehu Osidi, described it as a strategic intervention that aligns diaspora investments with national housing needs, enabling contributors to build tangible assets without being physically present in the country.

Under the scheme, eligible Nigerians in the diaspora are required to register with the National Housing Fund through a dedicated digital platform, after which their details are verified in collaboration with NiDCOM to ensure transparency and credibility.

Participants are expected to make monthly contributions in foreign currency — typically between $100 and $200 — over a minimum period of 12 months, forming the basis for mortgage eligibility under the programme.

The initiative reflects a broader shift toward leveraging alternative financing mechanisms to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, particularly as conventional mortgage systems remain largely inaccessible to many citizens due to high interest rates and limited credit availability.

Experts note that if effectively implemented and scaled, diaspora-backed housing finance could significantly reshape the real estate sector, reduce reliance on public funding, and drive inclusive growth across the economy.

However, they caution that success will depend on strong regulatory oversight, investor protection frameworks and sustained confidence among diaspora contributors.

The post Diaspora Funds Seen as Solution to Nigeria’s Housing Deficit appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The has begun evacuating Nigerians who wish to leave as tensions intensify in the Middle East following ongoing military strikes in the region.

The evacuation effort is being coordinated by the (NiDCOM) in collaboration with officials of the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran.

Nigerians escorted to Armenian border

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, , disclosed that Nigerians willing to leave the country are being escorted by embassy officials to the border for safe passage.

According to her, the evacuation process is ongoing, with embassy personnel providing support to Nigerians seeking to exit the country.

She explained that arrangements have been made to ensure safe crossing for evacuees at the border while officials remain on ground to assist them.

No Nigerian casualty recorded

Despite the growing hostilities, Dabiri-Erewa stated that no Nigerian citizen in Iran has been harmed since the conflict began.

She noted that Nigerian diplomatic officials are stationed at the border to receive evacuees and provide assistance to those leaving the country.

Rising tensions in the Middle East

The evacuation follows heightened tensions after military strikes on Iran reportedly carried out by the and on February 28.

The attacks triggered retaliatory missile and drone strikes across the region, raising fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Government monitoring developments

Authorities say the Nigerian government is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to support citizens affected by the crisis.

Officials have also urged Nigerians in the region to maintain contact with the Nigerian Embassy and follow safety advisories issued by diplomatic missions.

The post FG Begins Evacuation of Nigerians from Iran as Middle East Conflict Escalates appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

By Ameh Gabriel
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‎The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) says the surge in diaspora remittances to $600 million monthly is proof that recent monetary reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are restoring trust in the nation’s financial system.
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‎NIDCOM Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, made this known in a statement signed by the Commission’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, on Monday.
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‎According to data from the CBN, remittance inflows have tripled in just two months, rising from an average of $200 million to $600 million monthly.
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‎Dabiri-Erewa commended CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, for implementing policies such as the Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN) and a more competitive exchange rate, which have encouraged Nigerians abroad to use formal channels when sending money home.
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‎She expressed optimism that the figures could climb to $1 billion monthly by 2026, aligning with Cardoso’s projections.
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‎“This growth reflects renewed confidence in Nigeria’s financial institutions, and NIDCOM will continue to strengthen diaspora engagement through platforms like the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit, National Diaspora Day, and youth-focused initiatives,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
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‎The development comes just days after Governor Cardoso told investors at a business roundtable in Sao Paulo, Brazil, that remittance flows have become a vital component of Nigeria’s foreign exchange inflows, following the liberalization and unification of the FX market.
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‎With diaspora remittances contributing over $20 billion to the economy in 2024, analysts say the fresh momentum could play a crucial role in stabilizing the naira and boosting investment confidence.

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By Taiwo Ajayi

The Federal Ministry of Work and Housing has initiated a comprehensive review of house sales within the National Housing Program, extending an invitation to interested Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to participate.

In a statement endorsed by M. Mamman, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Housing, the review process aims to facilitate fresh sales of houses, prompting interested applicants to acquire Expression of Interest Forms.

The statement highlights that individuals who previously received provisional offers of allocation between March 10, 2022, and October 18, 2023, now have the opportunity to reapply for consideration.

“Interested subscribers previously offered provisional allocations within the period from March 10, 2022, to October 18, 2023, are encouraged to reapply by completing the Expression of Interest Form,” the statement indicated.

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The Ministry clarified that the Expression of Interest forms are available free of charge at Ministry offices across the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT for all interested applicants.

For Nigerians residing abroad, the Expression of Interest form can be obtained from the office of the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).

“All interested subscribers are advised to obtain their Expression of Interest Forms at no cost from the Federal Controllers of Housing and Urban Development offices in the 36 states and the FCT,” the statement specified.

READ ALSO: THE FHA HAS SHAPED LIVES – GOWON

“However, Nigerians in the diaspora seeking to subscribe to the houses should acquire their Expression of Interest Forms from the office of the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission.”

Notably, the statement did not outline any specific deadlines for the collection or submission of the Expression of Interest Form.

Source: Nairametrics

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