NANS Issues Ultimatum to South African Firms Amid Rising Xenophobia Tensions
The National Association of Nigerian Students has given South African businesses four days to exit Nigeria, escalating tensions over xenophobic violence. Meanwhile, former minister Oshiomhole urges the Tinubu government to use profits from these firms to compensate victims.
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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a four-day ultimatum to South African business interests in Nigeria, demanding their departure from the country in response to ongoing concerns over xenophobic violence targeting Nigerians in South Africa, according to a report by Naija News.
The ultimatum, which emerged amid growing diplomatic strain, underscores mounting public frustration over repeated incidents of xenophobia on the African continent. While the statement did not specify which companies were targeted, it reflects broader sentiment calling for economic reprisals against South African commercial entities operating in Nigeria.
Amid the rising tensions, former national leader of the APC and prominent politician, Mr. Oshiomhole, called on the Tinubu administration to use profits generated by South African companies in Nigeria to compensate victims of xenophobic attacks. In a statement reported by Peoples Gazette, Oshiomhole asserted, "This does not require any further investigation because the facts are self-evident." His remarks suggest a growing demand for immediate government action without further delay or inquiry.
The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official response to either NANS' deadline or Oshiomhole’s compensation proposal. However, the dual developments highlight increasing domestic pressure on Abuja to adopt a firmer stance in protecting Nigerian citizens abroad and leveraging economic tools in foreign policy.