AT a time of need for more continental integration, the growing immigration row between Nigeria and South Africa is needless, unless it achieves the important objective of helping both countries to understand and respect each other.

Nigerians are angry at the treatment they get from South Africa, a country that millions of Nigerians remember their efforts, as government and individuals, in liberating it from the grips of apartheid. If Nigerians expected appreciation from South Africa, for the all-round she gave during its struggle, they have been confronted with a haughtiness that is entirely un-African.

Immigration matters are within the authority of each country. The latest one, which broke out last week, was more of a confrontation since the issue  – vaccination for yellow fever –  was settled 13 years ago, when the World Health Organisation, WHO, declared Nigeria free of  yellow fever.

The 125 Nigerians South Africa deported on this score did not fail other immigration tests. If vaccination was the problem, why did the South Africa High Commission in Nigeria issue the travellers visas? Why did the airlines board them without adequate travel documents?

Nigeria has been reacting with deportation of South Africans who do not meet “immigration requirements.” Poor travellers on both sides are suffering for what they do not know. Business ties are suffering over the uncertainties the row creates. Outraged Nigerian politicians and public are demanding stiffer immigration conditions for South Africans and deportation of some South Africans working in Nigeria.

Further punitive measures are unnecessary. They will shut the windows to quicker resolution of the dispute. The point has been made that Nigeria will no longer tolerate maltreatment of her citizens.  The same measures should be applied to any country that behaves like South Africa.

The South Africans apologised. It is important that in the interest of the larger African community, the matter is resolved diplomatically, addressing matters that could cause a repeat of the incidents.

Both countries have a lot to lose if their relations are continued in this confusing manner.  The Nigeria-South African Bi-lateral Commission has a lot of work to do in deepening the understanding between the two countries whose strong ties are critical to the prosperity of the continent.

Nigeria has borne the brunt of discriminatory treatment from South Africans who at the slightest opportunity attack Nigerians. During protests in 2008 over preponderance of foreign workers, who indigenes said hurt their chances of getting jobs, they turned on Nigerians, who were not involved. Anti-Nigerian sentiments in South Africa are high. The maturity of the Nigerian government limited the rows.

Nigerians are glad their government called South Africa to order in this instance.