Xenophobic Attacks: NANS Gives South African Businesses Four-Day Quit Notice

Author: Gist Correspondent

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a four-day ultimatum to South African businesses operating in Nigeria, demanding that they cease operations and leave the country over the continued xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Monday in Enugu by the National Executive Director for Corporate and Private Sector Engagement, Mr. Bestman Okereafor.

Okereafor said the student body took the decision following what it described as persistent attacks, intimidation and harassment of law-abiding Nigerians living in South Africa.

According to him, South African businesses should vacate Nigeria within four days or risk protests and other actions by members of the association across the country.

He said NANS, which described itself as Africa's largest student organisation, would mobilise its members to picket South African-owned businesses after the ultimatum expires if its demand is not met.

"The continued attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa are unacceptable. South African businesses cannot continue to enjoy a conducive business environment in Nigeria while our citizens are allegedly being subjected to intimidation and violence in their country," he said.

The association also called on the Federal Government and the African Union to take stronger diplomatic and political measures to address recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

Okereafor recalled Nigeria's support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, saying the country deserved respect rather than what he described as hostility and repeated acts of violence against its citizens.

The ultimatum follows renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which have reportedly resulted in the assault, intimidation and killing of some Nigerians, as well as the destruction of businesses owned by foreign nationals.

NANS said it expects decisive action from relevant authorities to protect Nigerians abroad and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.