Nigeria's parliament has formed a special delegation to visit South Africa later this month amid growing concern over attacks targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals.

The ad-hoc committee, established by the National Assembly of Nigeria, is expected to engage South African authorities on the safety of Nigerians living in the country and review compliance with previous bilateral agreements between the two countries.

The move comes as diplomatic tensions rise over recurring anti-immigrant violence in South Africa, which has periodically targeted African migrants and foreign-owned businesses.

Nigeria on April 4, announced plans for the voluntary repatriation of its citizens from South Africa. Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said at least 130 Nigerians have registered to return home, warning that the figure could increase as concerns over security and livelihoods deepen.

The issue has also drawn broader regional attention. Ghana recently raised concerns with South African authorities following an incident involving one of its nationals, sparking widespread debate online.

The South African government has pushed back against claims that the country is xenophobic. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya on Wednesday said the accusations unfairly damage the country's image and compared them to claims of "white genocide," which Pretoria has repeatedly dismissed.

Speaking in Cape Town, Magwenya said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mozambican President Daniel Chapo had agreed that migration challenges require a coordinated continental response rather than isolated national measures.

"We've got to be careful in how we analyze these issues," Magwenya said, urging people to avoid what he described as "lazy labels" about South Africa.

He added that leaders recognized broader economic and social pressures driving migration across the continent and stressed the need for collective African solutions.