Xenophobic attacks against Nigerians have commenced again as videos of South Africans molesting and injuring Nigerians have surfaced on the internet. The continuous attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals by South Africans have given rise to intense tension between Nigeria and South Africa.
About a month ago, efforts were made by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and President Muhammadu Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa to address issues bothering on reprisal attacks.
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Also, in order to find a lasting solution to the issue, President Muhammadu Buhari has scheduled a meeting with South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa in October.
Reactions: Following the recent videos of human brutality, Nigerians have taken to the social media platform, Twitter, to call out South African companies to vacate the country.
https://twitter.com/Prettyy_Rib/status/1168786381369413632
https://twitter.com/LegitMadman/status/1168789642809872384
I have ported my MTN SiM to 9mobile.
I’m not shopping at Shoprite anymore.
I was already tired of DSTV, so I’m done with them.This is my stan to #Xenophobia.
If the FG like let them act, after all they never care about Herdsmen and Boko haram killing innocent lives.— E B I T U™ (@EbituPromise) September 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/rizzza/status/1168600621064314880
https://twitter.com/matthewamad/status/1168636071187492865
Boycott South African EVERYTHING.
Fuck Big Brother Naija.
What is happening to Nigerians is more important than a fucking show.
Stop watching that show.
Cancel DSTV.
Don't shop at ShopRite.
Boycott them all.
— Sugabelly 🌕 (@sugabelly) September 3, 2019
Honestly Nigeria government needs to act and sanction SA. Infact close down Nigeria high commission there and repatriate people willing to come home Have all South Africans leave Nigeria in 48hours too. Suspend multi choice , Mtn and Shoprite. This madness will stop.
— Babajide Daniel-Ologs (@jay_daniels07) September 2, 2019
We can't even see ahead of our noses!
Why has the government not stopped all trade associations with them? Are we not their biggest customers in Africa?
MTN and ShopRite aren't even as big over there… We are the ones fuelling their gadamn economy!and all they do is spit it!
— Boondu (@boondu_Sneh) September 3, 2019
If Nigeria has to break ties with South Africa, let's take off all the gloves fully. FG should assist Adenuga's Glo in acquiring MTN, and also support Prince Ebeano in acquiring Shoprite Nigeria. All Nigerians in South Africa should return & Vice- versa. NTA can acquire DSTV too.
— Prof Stanley Nwabia (@MrStanleyNwabia) September 2, 2019
Me what I already did to my MTN SIM
No Time to waste.
I hate rubbish 😡😡 pic.twitter.com/qPCIxBAyGd— DR. SEE BLOOD ✌✌ (@khemicalboi) September 3, 2019
However, some people have argued that these South African companies provide jobs for Nigerians and as such should not be boycotted.
https://twitter.com/iefamharris/status/1168749944855060480
DSTV, MTN and Shoprite have employed millions of Nigerians, boycotting them is like PLAYING YOURSELVES.
It's like punishing DANGOTE because some Nigerians defrauded people in South Africa.
Make una dey think before all these silly comments abeg #Xenophobia
— Abuja Minister – Esq (@Sir_BiolaPr) September 2, 2019
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Meanwhile, many people think that Multichoice, Shoprite among other South African companies garner a large percentage of their revenue from the Nigerian market. Many have even expressed that these South African companies will experience a huge decline in revenue should they be forced to leave Nigeria.
Nairametrics fact-checked these claims and discovered that the bulk of the revenue of these South African businesses isn’t from Nigeria. It is pertinent to understand that none of these South African companies – MTN, Stanbic IBTC, Shoprite and Multichoice has the biggest cut of its market share in Nigeria. Therefore, if you take Nigeria out of their operations, it will be felt but it would not be fatal.
who benefits more, SA or NG. I think closing all south african businesses in Nigeria by FG will send a strong message to them. close diplomatic tiles with them. this silence must stop. FG should start taking action now