FREETOWN — Nigeria and Ghana have agreed to strengthen cooperation in responding to attacks and protests targeting African nationals, as concerns over xenophobia and Afrophobia continue to affect relations among countries on the continent. The agreement followed a bilateral meeting between Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on the sidelines of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The two ministers expressed concern over recent protests and attacks directed at African nationals in South Africa. They condemned xenophobia, Afrophobia, intolerance and violence, warning that such actions undermine African unity, regional integration and the free movement of people across the continent. Nigeria and Ghana agreed to seek the inclusion of the issue on the agenda of the next African Union Summit. The two countries also said they would work with other African states to promote stronger continental mechanisms for monitoring, early warning and preventive diplomacy. The initiative comes amid renewed concern about the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa. African migrants have faced attacks and threats in different parts of the country, with some incidents involving the destruction of businesses and the displacement of families. The developments have attracted attention from governments whose citizens live and work in South Africa. Nigeria has been particularly vocal about the protection of its nationals. Thousands of Nigerians live and operate businesses in South Africa, making the safety of Nigerian citizens an important issue in relations between Abuja and Pretoria. Previous episodes of xenophobic violence have led to diplomatic protests and, in some cases, voluntary evacuations of Nigerians who feared for their safety. Ghana also has citizens living and working in South Africa and has expressed concern over attacks against African migrants. The two countries argued that criminal activity by individuals should be dealt with through the justice system rather than used as a justification for collective punishment of entire nationalities. They stressed that innocent and law-abiding migrants should not be subjected to mob attacks because of the actions of individuals. The ministers linked the issue to the broader objectives of Pan-Africanism and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Greater movement of people, goods and services is central to Africa's plans for deeper economic integration. Persistent hostility toward migrants could undermine those ambitions by creating fear among people who travel across borders for employment, trade and investment. Nigeria and Ghana therefore called for coordinated action that addresses both immediate security concerns and the underlying causes of hostility toward migrants. Economic hardship and unemployment can contribute to resentment against foreigners, particularly when communities believe migrants are competing for jobs or business opportunities. The ministers' position was that such concerns should be addressed through lawful policies and economic development rather than violence. Stronger regional diplomacy could help governments respond more quickly when tensions begin to develop. Early-warning systems could identify emerging threats, while preventive diplomacy could allow governments to engage communities before disputes escalate into violence. Better communication between countries could also help protect citizens when incidents occur. The issue is particularly significant for West Africa, where regional integration has encouraged citizens to move between countries for work, education and business. Nigeria and Ghana have long maintained close political, economic and cultural relations, and their cooperation on the issue reflects a shared interest in protecting African citizens across borders. The countries also reaffirmed their commitment to working through ECOWAS, the African Union and other multilateral institutions. Their cooperation comes at a time when African regional organisations are facing several challenges, including security threats, political transitions and economic pressures. Maintaining solidarity on issues affecting African citizens remains an important part of the continent's integration agenda. South Africa, for its part, has repeatedly condemned xenophobic violence and said that criminals should be prosecuted under the law. The challenge for its authorities is to ensure that those commitments translate into effective protection for foreign nationals and accountability for perpetrators. Preventing attacks will also require addressing misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric that can encourage hostility toward migrant communities. For Nigeria and Ghana, the next step will be turning their diplomatic agreement into concrete action at the continental level. Placing Afrophobia on the African Union agenda could create an opportunity for governments to develop common responses and strengthen existing mechanisms for protecting migrants. The issue also presents an opportunity for African countries to reaffirm the principle that citizens should be able to move and pursue legitimate economic opportunities without fear of violence because of their nationality. The agreement between Nigeria and Ghana therefore carries significance beyond their bilateral relationship. It reflects a wider debate about the future of African integration and the treatment of Africans living outside their countries of origin. As the continent seeks greater economic cooperation and freer movement, governments will face increasing pressure to ensure that migration does not become a source of violence or division. Nigeria and Ghana's call for continental action represents an effort to confront that challenge through diplomacy, cooperation and stronger regional institutions.