Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, has called on Nigerians to stop investing in South Africa as a response to recurring xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians living in the country. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, Onyema said Nigerians should embrace what he described as a non-violent economic response rather than resorting to attacks or destruction of businesses.
Onyema advocates peaceful economic retaliation
“The kind of retaliation I want is for Nigerians to boycott South Africa. Don’t invest in that country. If they want to invest in our country, let them bring their money and invest, and you determine how they take the money back. That is non-violence action,” he said.
His comments come amid fresh anti-immigrant protests in parts of South Africa, where some groups have been demanding the removal of undocumented migrants. Reports indicate that protesters have given foreign nationals until June 30 to leave certain communities, prompting concerns across Africa and triggering repatriation efforts by countries including Nigeria.
Onyema questions South African authorities' response
Onyema questioned the response of South African authorities to repeated incidents of xenophobic violence, arguing that security agencies have often failed to prevent attacks on foreign residents and business owners. “I totally agree that there should be a stop to foolishness. Every time they do this, they get the support of their government. I don’t understand how all of a sudden South Africa lacked police force, lacked the military, lacked every security agency that could have stopped these people. How do you explain where people will march into somebody’s house, bring you out, questioning you, ‘Can I see your papers? You are a foreigner. You have to go back home,’” he asked.
The airline boss also defended the contributions of Nigerians living in South Africa, noting that many have established businesses, created jobs and contributed to the country's economy. “He brought money from Nigeria and opened a shop in your country to help your country and help you. The best you could have done is to learn from these Nigerians on how to acquire some entrepreneurial skills,” Onyema said.
Onyema opposes violence against South African businesses in Nigeria
While backing calls for Nigeria to take a stronger stance against the attacks, Onyema stressed that retaliation should not involve violence against South Africans residing in Nigeria or attacks on South African-owned businesses. “I support (Edo Senator) Adams Oshiomhole, who says that we should retaliate. But the kind of retaliation I want is what we are doing. Let us do non-violence retaliation. I don’t want Nigerians to go to the street and attack any South Africans,” he said.
He also opposed shutting down major South African investments operating in Nigeria, including telecommunications giant MTN, arguing that such companies provide jobs and have Nigerian shareholders. “I don’t want Nigeria to close down MTN or other people’s businesses. Some Nigerians have shares in those companies. After all, those people are employing Nigerians too,” he added.
Background on xenophobic tensions
South Africa has experienced several waves of xenophobic unrest over the years, with foreign nationals from countries including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Somalia often becoming targets. The incidents have repeatedly strained diplomatic relations between Pretoria and several African governments, with calls growing for stronger protections for migrants and foreign-owned businesses.
