The National Association of Nigerian Students has issued a four-day ultimatum to South African business interests operating in Nigeria, following renewed reports of attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa.
NANS said the ultimatum was a response to what it described as continued intimidation, harassment and displacement of law-abiding Nigerians in South Africa.
The position was contained in a statement issued on Monday in Enugu by Mr Bestman Okereafor, NANS National Executive Director for Corporate and Private Sector Engagement.
Okereafor said the student body was disturbed by the treatment of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa amid ongoing xenophobic tensions.
According to him, South African companies should not continue to operate freely in Nigeria while Nigerians are allegedly being attacked, chased and humiliated in South Africa.
He said NANS, which described itself as the largest student body in Africa, was giving South African business interests four days to leave Nigeria.
Okereafor warned that after the expiration of the ultimatum, the association would consider picketing South African-linked businesses in the country.
He said the student body represents millions of Nigerian students across the federation and would not remain silent while citizens are exposed to danger abroad.
NANS also called on the Federal Government and the African Union to take stronger diplomatic action against South Africa over repeated incidents of xenophobic violence.
Okereafor said Nigeria played a major role in supporting South Africa during the struggle against apartheid and should not be repaid with hostility toward its citizens.
He described the alleged attacks on Nigerians as unacceptable and damaging to African unity.
The statement followed reports that Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa had faced intimidation, assault, destruction of property and forced displacement.
Some Nigerian-owned businesses in South Africa were also reported to have been damaged or destroyed during anti-migrant violence.
The tension worsened after anti-migrant groups in South Africa reportedly gave foreigners a June 30 deadline to leave the country.
In recent weeks, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has arranged evacuation flights for Nigerians willing to return home from South Africa.
Hundreds of Nigerians have already been airlifted back to Nigeria under the evacuation exercise.
The Nigerian government has also expressed concern over the safety of its citizens and called for investigations into reported deaths of Nigerians in South Africa.
NANS said its ultimatum was intended to pressure authorities and business interests to take the safety of Nigerians more seriously.
The development adds a fresh dimension to the diplomatic tension between Nigeria and South Africa, two of Africa’s largest economies.
Observers say the situation will require careful handling to prevent further escalation and protect both Nigerian citizens abroad and lawful businesses operating in Nigeria.
