Air Peace Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, has called on Nigerians to halt investments in South Africa and boycott South African businesses operating in Nigeria in response to recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerian citizens.
Newsonspot reports that while speaking on the renewed wave of violence targeting Nigerians in South Africa, Onyema described the attacks as unacceptable and urged individuals, corporate organizations, and the Nigerian government to adopt stronger economic measures until the safety of Nigerians is guaranteed.
According to him, Nigerians can no longer remain passive while their compatriots are allegedly being harassed, killed, and deprived of their livelihoods in a country that continues to benefit significantly from Nigerian investments and patronage.
“We cannot continue to watch our people being killed, harassed, and having their businesses destroyed while we keep investing billions in a country that does not protect us. If our lives and property are not safe, then our money should not be safe there either,” Onyema stated.
The aviation entrepreneur, who received widespread commendation in 2019 for providing free evacuation flights to Nigerians affected by xenophobic violence in South Africa, stressed that economic pressure could compel authorities to take more decisive action.
He urged Nigerian entrepreneurs to suspend expansion plans into South Africa and encouraged consumers to reconsider their patronage of South African brands operating within Nigeria.
“Nigeria is a huge market, and many South African companies earn substantial profits here. If Nigerians withdraw their support, the impact will be felt, and perhaps that will encourage stronger protection for foreigners, particularly Nigerians,” he added.
Onyema also called on the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagements with South African authorities while ensuring that the protection of Nigerians living abroad remains a top priority. He noted that diplomatic efforts must be complemented by concrete actions that demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens wherever they reside.
Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have resurfaced periodically over the years, with several Nigerian-owned businesses reportedly looted, vandalized, or destroyed. The incidents have led to loss of lives and heightened diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa, prompting renewed calls for stronger measures to protect foreign nationals.
