The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a four-day ultimatum to South African business interests operating in Nigeria, warning them to leave the country over the continued attacks and intimidation of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The warning was contained in a statement released by the National Executive Director for Corporate and Private Sector Engagement of NANS, Bestman Okereafor.
According to Okereafor, the student body would no longer tolerate what it described as the persistent harassment of Nigerians in South Africa while South African-owned businesses continue to operate freely in Nigeria.
“The attention of the apex students governing body, NANS, has been drawn to continuous attacks, intimidation and subsequent chase of law-abiding, peaceful and hardworking Nigerians and other Africans from South Africa,” he stated.
He added, “As the biggest students’ body in Africa, we are giving South African business interests four days to evacuate our beloved country, Nigeria. The reason for this action is simple. South Africans cannot continue to oppress and chase our people from their country and expect their businesses to thrive on our soil.”
NANS warned that it would begin picketing South African business interests across Nigeria once the ultimatum expires if there is no improvement in the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.
The association also hinted that additional measures could be taken should the situation remain unresolved.
Okereafor called on the Federal Government and the African Union (AU) to take decisive steps to address what he described as the hostile treatment of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
“It is on record that Nigeria played a major role in support of South Africa during the apartheid struggle and should never be paid with disloyalty, disrespect and global embarrassment,” he said.
The latest threat comes amid renewed anti-immigration tensions in South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Nigerians, have reportedly faced attacks, intimidation and threats.
There have also been reports of Nigerian-owned businesses being destroyed during previous waves of xenophobic violence.
The development follows an earlier ultimatum reportedly issued by anti-migrant groups in South Africa directing undocumented foreigners to leave the country by June 30, a move that has heightened concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
