Nigerian Senate Slams ‘Nigerians Must Go’ Protest in Ghana, Calls for African Unity
Abuja, Nigeria – July 30, 2025
The Nigerian Senate has condemned the recent “Nigerians Must Go” protest in Ghana, describing it as a breach of the spirit of African unity and regional cooperation. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs called on Ghanaian authorities and citizens to uphold the historic bond of friendship between both nations and the shared values of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The protest, which gained momentum after a viral social media video, showed some Ghanaians demanding the expulsion of Nigerians, alleging misconduct and cultural violations. However, the Senate stressed that such sentiments undermine the ECOWAS vision of free movement, integration, and mutual economic growth.
“As key members of ECOWAS, Nigeria and Ghana must be at the forefront of promoting peace, unity, and regional integration as enshrined in the ECOWAS charter,” the Committee stated.
Diplomatic Response and Diaspora Reassurance
The Senate commended the swift interventions of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), and Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Working alongside Nigerian and Ghanaian High Commissioners, their efforts have helped de-escalate tensions and open diplomatic dialogue.
The Committee assured the estimated hundreds of thousands of Nigerians living in Ghana that their rights and welfare are being protected. It urged the diaspora to remain law-abiding and avoid inflammatory rhetoric while fostering peaceful coexistence with their hosts.
Historical Context
The “Nigerians Must Go” slogan rekindles memories of the 1983 expulsion of over 1 million Ghanaians from Nigeria during an economic downturn, an episode that strained bilateral ties for years. Analysts view the current incident as an opportunity for renewed dialogue and stronger agreements on migrant rights.
Dr. Amina Bello, a political analyst at the University of Lagos, noted:
“The resilience of Nigeria-Ghana relations is rooted in shared history. This moment should be used to reinforce that bond, not weaken it.”
Towards a Unified African Vision
The Senate emphasized that the situation highlights the need for deeper cooperation within the African Union framework to safeguard migration policies and strengthen cultural integration. ECOWAS leadership has also expressed support for ongoing efforts to resolve the matter diplomatically.
As Nigeria and Ghana work to ease tensions, this episode could set a regional precedent for addressing cross-border grievances while promoting African solidarity.
