MTN Nigeria
The Southwest Zone D chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students has threatened to stage peaceful protests and picket South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria following renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa.
In a strongly worded statement issued by the zone’s coordinator, Adeyemo Kayode, the student body condemned the repeated attacks, describing them as a disturbing pattern of violence and hostility directed at Nigerians abroad.
According to NANS, the latest incidents, which reportedly claimed the lives of some Nigerians, have once again raised concerns about the safety and protection of foreign nationals in South Africa.
The association warned that it would begin mass mobilisation and advocacy campaigns targeting major South African companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN Group and MultiChoice Group, if urgent steps are not taken to address the situation.
The student body argued that it is unfair for South African businesses to continue enjoying a peaceful and profitable operating environment in Nigeria while Nigerians in South Africa face intimidation, attacks, and alleged killings.
“It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians elsewhere live in fear,” the statement noted.
NANS also called on the South African government, security agencies, and relevant authorities to take immediate and concrete measures to guarantee the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals residing in the country.
The association stressed that symbolic condemnations or delayed reactions would no longer be enough, insisting that perpetrators of xenophobic violence must be identified and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent.
While threatening protests and picketing, the student body said it remains open to dialogue with South African business representatives, diplomatic officials, and international stakeholders to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The latest development adds to growing concerns over recurring xenophobic tensions in South Africa, where foreign nationals, particularly Africans from other countries, have periodically faced attacks linked to unemployment, crime, and economic frustrations.
Past incidents of xenophobic violence have often strained diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa, with civil society groups and youth organisations repeatedly demanding stronger action to protect Nigerians living abroad.
