In 1990, just months after walking free from 27 years of imprisonment, Nelson Mandela, the towering symbol of South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle—embarked on a historic visit to Nigeria. It was one of his earliest international journeys after regaining his freedom, and Nigeria, a steadfast ally in the fight against apartheid, welcomed him with open arms.
At the heart of the reception was General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Nigeria’s Head of State at the time. Their meeting was more than ceremonial; it represented the convergence of two historic forces: a man who had become a global icon of resistance and resilience, and a nation that had consistently championed African liberation on the world stage.
Mandela’s visit was charged with emotion and gratitude. At Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos, he addressed a jubilant crowd, paying heartfelt tribute to Nigeria’s unwavering support, financial, diplomatic, and moral, for the African National Congress (ANC) throughout his imprisonment.
Nigeria had not only funded the ANC’s operations but also provided scholarships to South Africans in exile, spearheaded boycotts of apartheid-linked businesses, and led powerful diplomatic offensives at the United Nations and across the Commonwealth pressing for his release and the dismantling of apartheid.
For many Nigerians, the occasion was profoundly symbolic. Hosting Mandela was not just a diplomatic gesture; it felt like a homecoming of African brotherhood—a recognition of shared struggle, solidarity, and sacrifice. As Mandela himself declared that day, “The support we have received from Nigeria has been second to none.”
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