Geoffrey Onyeama, minister of foreign affairs, has described as ‘outrageous stigmatization’ statement made by Naledi Pandor, his South African counterpart, that many Nigerians in the country are drug and human Traffickers.

Onyeama while reacting to Pandor’s statement accused her of making statements that are capable of fuelling xenophobia.

LagosTimes had reported how the South African minister made the claim while reacting to concerns that the country’s security agencies are not doing enough to stop attacks on foreigners.

“I would appreciate them (Nigeria) in helping us as well to address the belief our people have and the reality that there are many persons from Nigeria dealing in drugs in our country,” she had said.

“A belief that Nigerian nationals are involved in human trafficking and other abusive practices.”

Reacting via his Twitter handle, Onyeama said Pandor’s comments was “outrageous.”

Quoting a story on the South African minister’s comment, he said: “It is precisely this kind of outrageous stigmatization of a people from senior government officials that fuel xenophobia and embolden criminals.”