The President of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), Dr. Meshach Nwankwo, has warned that the association may begin lawful actions against South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria if the South African government fails to address concerns over alleged xenophobic attacks on Nigerians within one week.
Speaking in a video broadcast by News Century Television and shared on the NewsCenturyTV YouTube channel on Monday, Nwankwo strongly condemned what he described as persistent attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa and urged the South African authorities to take firm and lasting action.
According to him, the association is prepared to pursue legal and peaceful measures, including efforts aimed at shutting down South African-owned businesses in Nigeria if meaningful action is not taken.
"We will also begin lawful action to ensure that South African-based businesses in Nigeria are shut down, and our headquarters will be relocated to the South African High Commission in Nigeria so the South African government takes definitive, comprehensive and lasting measures against this cancer threatening the lives and future of Nigerians in South Africa," he said.
Nwankwo stated that the association is deeply troubled by the reported treatment of Nigerians in South Africa, stressing that student leaders cannot remain silent while fellow citizens continue to face alleged attacks.
He said the National Association of University Students firmly condemns all forms of xenophobia, hate speech and violence directed at Nigerians and any other Africans legally residing in another African country.
According to him, Africa's progress depends on unity, mutual respect and shared prosperity, adding that hatred and violence have no place among Africans.
The NAUS president called on the South African government to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of attacks, intimidation and incitement against Nigerians, insisting that anyone found responsible should face justice in line with the rule of law.
He also appealed to the South African High Commission in Nigeria to obtain clear assurances regarding the safety and protection of Nigerians residing in South Africa.
Nwankwo warned that if the association's concerns are not adequately addressed within one week of the statement, it would exercise its constitutional right to organise peaceful advocacy, including demonstrations and other lawful democratic activities aimed at defending the dignity and safety of Nigerian students and citizens.
His comments come amid recurring reports of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, where Nigerians have repeatedly been among those affected. Similar protests have been organised by student bodies in previous years, with demonstrations and temporary disruptions of some South African-owned businesses in Nigeria during periods of heightened tension.
The video has generated mixed reactions on social media. While some users supported the proposed actions as an appropriate response to repeated xenophobic attacks, others questioned the wisdom of targeting South African companies that provide employment for thousands of Nigerians. Some also argued that resolving the issue through diplomatic engagement by the Federal Government remains the most appropriate approach.
Several South African companies, including MTN, Shoprite, and MultiChoice, maintain significant investments and operations in Nigeria. Previous Nigerian administrations have also engaged the South African government through diplomatic channels to address concerns over the safety and welfare of Nigerian citizens living in the country.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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