President Bola Tinubu has declined to receive a special envoy sent by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa amid growing concerns over persistent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

Sources said the South African delegation, led by the country's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, arrived in Abuja on Friday with what was described as an important message for the Nigerian leader.

The development comes as concerns continue to mount over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa following recurring xenophobic attacks.