The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans for nationwide protests targeting major South African-linked businesses in Nigeria following renewed xenophobic attacks that have claimed the lives of two Nigerians in South Africa.
NANS President Olushola Oladoja said the planned demonstrations would focus on companies including MTN, MultiChoice and Stanbic IBTC Bank, urging Nigerians to boycott South African-owned businesses and, in the case of Stanbic IBTC, close their bank accounts if the attacks on Nigerians persist. The student body said the protests are intended to pressure South African authorities into taking stronger action to protect foreign nationals.
The announcement comes as tensions between Nigeria and South Africa continue to rise over a wave of anti-migrant protests. Nigeria’s government says two of its citizens were killed during the unrest and has demanded a full investigation, stronger protection for Nigerians living in South Africa and compensation where appropriate. Several evacuation flights have already returned hundreds of Nigerians home amid fears of escalating violence.
However, analysts warn that targeting South African-linked firms operating in Nigeria could have unintended consequences. Companies such as MTN employ thousands of Nigerians and contribute significantly to the local economy, while MultiChoice and Stanbic IBTC also have substantial Nigerian operations. Critics argue that large-scale boycotts could affect Nigerian workers, shareholders and customers more than the South African government itself.
The planned protests echo similar demonstrations in 2019, when xenophobic violence in South Africa sparked retaliatory actions against South African businesses in Nigeria. As diplomatic efforts continue, both governments face growing pressure to de-escalate tensions while ensuring the safety of migrants and preserving longstanding economic ties between Africa’s two largest economies.
