Bridge Club to Convene Experts in Lagos for Dialogue on Xenophobia and Pan-Africanism

 

By Atlantic Reports

The Bridge Club, a Lagos-based social and networking organisation, is set to host a public conversation on xenophobia and Pan-Africanism as part of its end-of-year programme on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

The discussion, themed “Xenophobia Contradicts Pan-Africanism”, will take place at the Continental Hotel in Lagos.

The club’s president, AbdulHakeem Mustapha, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), announced the event in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.

He said the gathering would bring together diplomats, academics and public figures to examine the growing incidence of xenophobia across Africa and explore ways to address tensions between people of different African nationalities.

Diplomats and academics to lead discussions

The identified speakers include Prof. Patrick Lumumba, an anti-corruption advocate; Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, former Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

Other participants are Prof. David Aworawo, Head of the Department of History and International Studies at the University of Lagos; Amb. Godwin Adama, former Nigerian Consul-General in South Africa; and Prof. Bobby Moroe, South Africa’s Consul-General in Nigeria.

Broadcaster and columnist Dr Reuben Abati will moderate the conversation.

Club calls for practical solutions

Mustapha said the event was necessary because of increasing reports of xenophobic hostility across the continent, warning that such divisions could undermine efforts to build stronger relationships among African countries.

He argued that Africans who stood together during the struggle against colonialism must also confront discrimination and hostility threatening their shared development.

The club president said the discussion would examine the underlying causes of xenophobic tensions and identify practical measures to make African countries safer places for people from other parts of the continent to live, work and pursue opportunities without discrimination.

He added that recommendations from the gathering would be communicated to relevant governments and regional institutions for consideration in policy development.

Promoting continental dialogue

Founded in 2017 by a group of friends from different professional backgrounds, the Bridge Club provides a platform for discussions on national and international issues.

According to Mustapha, the organisation also examines how domestic and foreign policies affect national development and foreign direct investment.

The planned conversation comes amid continuing concerns about xenophobia and the treatment of African migrants in different parts of the continent.

Its broader significance will depend on whether the discussions produce practical recommendations that governments and regional institutions are willing to consider and implement.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.