18 APC First-Term Governors Condemn Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa, Back Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
Governors serving their first term under the All Progressives Congress (APC) have strongly condemned the recent xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa, describing the incidents as unacceptable and urging stronger measures to safeguard Nigerian citizens living abroad.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued after a closed-door meeting of the 18 APC first-term governors held at the Kebbi State Government House on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
Speaking on behalf of the governors, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris said the forum deliberated on a range of national and international issues affecting the country, including the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora, economic reforms, and the nation’s security challenges.
The governors called on the South African authorities to intensify efforts to protect Nigerians and ensure that those responsible for the attacks are held accountable. They stressed that every citizen deserves to live and work in a safe environment regardless of nationality.
The APC governors also reaffirmed their support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, acknowledging that many Nigerians are currently facing economic hardship as a result of the ongoing reforms.
According to the communiqué, while the reforms have brought short-term challenges, the governors expressed confidence that the policies are designed to deliver long-term economic stability, sustainable growth, and improved living standards. They appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and supportive, assuring them that the government remains committed to seeing the reforms through until meaningful results are achieved.
The forum maintained that despite the present economic realities, abandoning the reform programme before its intended outcomes are realized would undermine efforts to reposition the nation’s economy.
On security, the governors expressed concern over the continued rise in attacks, kidnappings, and abductions across parts of the country, particularly incidents involving schoolchildren. They urged security agencies to intensify operations aimed at protecting lives and property while calling for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments to tackle insecurity.
Looking ahead to future elections, the governors stated that APC governors seeking re-election would campaign on the strength of their administration’s achievements. They pointed to ongoing investments and progress in critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security as evidence of their commitment to improving governance and delivering development at the grassroots.
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The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by the governors to support policies they believe will strengthen national unity, improve security, and promote sustainable economic growth across Nigeria.
