The meeting forms part of Pretoria’s diplomatic outreach to African countries following growing concern over anti-immigrant protests and the treatment of foreign nationals in SA.
Lamola has been engaging leaders on the continent as SA seeks to explain government measures to manage migration, address undocumented migration and prevent violence against foreign nationals.
The visit to Nigeria follows Lamola’s recent meeting with Ghanaian President John Mahama, where Lamola outlined Pretoria’s approach to migration and efforts to respond to concerns raised by Ghana.
Nigeria and Ghana have both voiced concern over recent developments in SA, including protests targeting undocumented foreign nationals. The two countries have called for the African Union (AU) to address the matter at continental level.
Lamola has previously said any AU discussion on migration should not become an exercise in blaming SA, but should instead focus on the root causes of migration across Africa.
According to Lamola, migration pressures are linked to wider economic and political challenges on the continent, including unemployment, weak economic growth, governance concerns, conflict, insecurity and climate change.
Pretoria has maintained that migration must be managed through lawful processes, while also condemning vigilantism and violence against foreign nationals.
The meeting with Tinubu is expected to focus on cooperation between SA and Nigeria on migration management, diplomatic engagement and the protection of nationals affected by recent tensions.
–SABC/ChannelAfrica–
