Growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa have prompted the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to threaten coordinated action against South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria. The student body, at a press conference on Monday, said the move would be considered if attacks on Nigerians continue without what it described as a firm response from South African authorities.
The warning follows reports of repeated xenophobic attacks, including the recent killing of a Nigerian businessman identified as Big Joe, who was reportedly shot outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga Province. NANS said the incident has heightened anxiety among Nigerians and renewed calls for stronger protection of citizens living and working in the country.
According to the association, its members have begun mobilising nationwide and could shut down and occupy South African businesses in Nigeria if the violence against Nigerians is not brought to an end. The group argued that continued attacks without accountability risk worsening tensions between citizens of both countries.
NANS also directed a strong message to the South African government, urging it to ensure the safety of Nigerian nationals and hold those responsible for the attacks accountable. The association warned that failure to act could trigger consequences beyond diplomatic concerns, with possible implications for businesses operating in Nigeria.
While expressing frustration over the recurring incidents, the student body insisted that no nation should assume it is immune from the consequences of failing to protect foreign residents. It maintained that Nigerians in South Africa deserve the same security and legal protection afforded to other members of society.
The latest development underscores growing public concern over the recurring cases of xenophobic violence involving Nigerians in South Africa. It also highlights increasing calls for decisive institutional action to protect lives, preserve bilateral relations and prevent further escalation of tensions between the two countries.
