By Ayodele Oni
As Nigerians count loses over continued attacks by South Africa’s nationals, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Airline, Allen Onyema, has advised the Federal Government and Nigeria’s business community to take concrete action to protest xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerian nationals.
Among suggestions he canvassed is the stoppage of investment by Nigerians in South Africa. He also urges a boycott of the country by Nigerians.
Speaking on the recurring violence against Nigerians living in South Africa, Onyema condemned the attacks and said the situation has reached a point where economic action was necessary.
He urged citizens, business leaders, and the Nigerian Government to take a stand by cutting economic ties until South African authorities guarantee the safety of Nigerians.
“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, whose airline gained national praise in 2019 for evacuating Nigerians free of charge during a wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa, insisted that economic pressure remains one of the strongest tools Nigerians have.
He called on entrepreneurs to halt expansion plans into South Africa and asked consumers to boycott South African brands operating in Nigeria.
“Nigeria is a big market. South African companies make huge profits here. If we withdraw our patronage, they will feel it.
“Maybe then their government will take decisive action to protect foreigners, especially Nigerians,” he added.
The Air Peace boss also appealed to the Federal Government to engage South African authorities more firmly and to prioritize the protection of Nigerians in the diaspora.
He stressed that while diplomacy is important, it must be backed by concrete action that shows Nigeria will not tolerate the continued killing of its citizens abroad.
Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have flared up repeatedly over the years, with Nigerian-owned shops and businesses often looted or burnt.
Several Nigerians have lost their lives, sparking outrage and diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
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