While Ghana Acts, Nigeria Watches: Who Will Protect Nigerians?

By Frank Ofili

As xenophobic tensions once again escalate in South Africa, one painful reality has become impossible to ignore: African countries are not responding equally to the plight of their citizens abroad. While Ghana moved swiftly to evacuate its citizens following threats, attacks, and the ultimatum reportedly issued to foreign African nationals to leave South Africa before May 31, 2026, Nigeria — the so-called “Giant of Africa” — appears trapped in its now familiar cycle of silence, hesitation, and indifference.

Ghana reportedly not only commenced evacuation efforts for its nationals, but also escalated the matter diplomatically by reporting South Africa to the African Union. That is what responsible governments do. They protect their people. They demonstrate urgency. They send a message that the lives and dignity of their citizens matter.

Nigeria, on the other hand, has done what it often does best in moments of crisis: nothing visible, nothing decisive, and nothing reassuring.

Where is the evacuation plan for Nigerians in South Africa? Where is the emergency response? Where is the strong diplomatic protest? Where is the presidential address to calm frightened Nigerians living under threats abroad? Once again, Nigerians are left abandoned to their fate.

This disturbing silence reflects a deeper tragedy — the growing collapse of governance and accountability in Nigeria itself.

At home, Nigerians are under siege. In many parts of the country, bandits operate like parallel governments. Kidnappers have turned highways into hunting grounds. Terrorists still attack communities with frightening audacity. Farmers can no longer safely access their farms, worsening hunger and inflation. Ordinary citizens wake daily to fear, uncertainty, and economic hardship.

Beyond insecurity, the cost of living has become unbearable. Food prices have skyrocketed beyond the reach of millions. Electricity remains unstable despite repeated promises of reform. Roads are death traps. Public hospitals are underfunded and overstretched. Unemployment continues to destroy hope among the youth, while businesses collapse under rising operational costs.

Yet, amid all these realities, government officials continue to insist that the economy is improving and that the country is making more money.

Making more money for whom?

Certainly not for the ordinary Nigerian whose purchasing power has collapsed. Certainly not for families skipping meals to survive. Certainly not for graduates roaming the streets without jobs. Certainly not for citizens who now spend more on fuel, transport, electricity, and basic necessities than ever before in the nation’s history.

There appears to be a dangerous disconnect between official narratives and the daily suffering of the people.

Three years into this administration, Nigerians deserve more than political speeches, media propaganda, and statistical gymnastics. They deserve tangible evidence that governance is working.

So, the question must be asked plainly and honestly:

What exactly has this government achieved in the last three years that has directly improved the lives of ordinary Nigerians?

Can the government point to one major achievement that has reduced suffering, strengthened security, improved living standards, stabilized the economy, or restored hope to the average citizen?

This is not a partisan question. It is a patriotic one.

Leadership is not measured by the number of press conferences held or the volume of economic figures announced. Leadership is measured by the condition of the people. By that standard, millions of Nigerians are worse off today than they were three years ago.

A nation where citizens are unsafe at home and unprotected abroad cannot continue pretending that all is well. A government that cannot guarantee security, economic stability, and basic dignity to its people must stop celebrating itself and start listening to the cries of the masses.

The tragedy of Nigeria is no longer merely the existence of problems. Every nation has problems. The tragedy is the normalization of failure and the absence of urgency from those entrusted with power.

If Ghana can act decisively to protect its citizens abroad, why can’t Nigeria?

If smaller African countries can demonstrate stronger leadership and compassion toward their nationals, what then has become of the so-called Giant of Africa?

Nigerians deserve answers. More importantly, Nigerians deserve a government that acts.