Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Urges Calm in Ghana, Cites Historical Lessons Amid Rising Tensions

Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu

In a decisive diplomatic appeal, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called for calm and mutual respect between Ghana and Nigeria, urging both nations to reflect on historical events to avoid the reoccurrence of diplomatic and social hostilities.

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‎Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, the minister referenced past incidents including Nigeria’s 1983 “Ghana Must Go” deportations and Ghana’s earlier “Alien Compliance Order”as cautionary tales of what can occur when bilateral tensions are allowed to fester.
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“History always repeats itself when we don’t learn from it. Many may not recall the Ghana Must Go protests in Nigeria in 1983. But before that, Ghanaian also moved Nigerians out. We must avoid letting history come full circle,” she remarked.
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‎Her comments come in response to growing concerns over viral videos and reports alleging threats against Nigerian nationals in Ghana, including claims of shop burnings and forced evictions.
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“We’ve received multiple distress calls from Nigerians both here and back home. Some individuals have had their shops marked, and there are video threats with specific deadlines. Some parents are already asking their children to return to Nigeria,” she noted, her voice firm with concern.
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‎Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that she and her delegation had met with senior Ghanaian officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and President John Dramani Mahama, to address the matter.
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‎“President Mahama has personally assured President Tinubu that Nigerians in Ghana are safe, and that there are no plans for mass deportation. That assurance is important, but we must not get too comfortable,” she warned.
‎“It only takes one trigger. From two bodies on the street, unrest spreads like wildfire.”
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‎She emphasized the immense contributions of Nigerians to the Ghanaian economy, describing them as largely law-abiding and industrious.
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‎“Anywhere you go and there are no Nigerians, then something is wrong,” she said pointedly.
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‎Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu also thanked traditional leaders, especially the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for playing a significant role in easing tensions in the Ashanti Region. She urged leaders of Nigerian communities in Ghana to step up efforts in guiding and protecting their members.
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Ambassador Moses Ifedayo Adeoye

‎In solidarity, Nigeria’s acting High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Moses Ifedayo Adeoye, echoed her sentiments, underscoring the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
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“We have nearly three million Nigerians residing in Ghana. These are resilient, responsible, and hardworking individuals who continue to contribute meaningfully to the Ghanaian economy and society,” he said.
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‎He further urged a united approach, stating that this was a time for building peace—not for blame.
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“This is not the moment to reopen old wounds. It is a time to focus on peaceful coexistence with our host communities,” Ambassador Adeoye added.
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‎The Nigerian government continues to monitor the situation closely and has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad.
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‎Reported by: Azaglo Michael
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