Falana Urges Nigeria to Hit South African Firms with Economic Sanctions Over Xenophobic Attacks
By Yinusa Olamilekan Felix
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has urged the Federal Government to adopt stronger economic measures against South African-owned companies operating in Nigeria as a response to the recurring xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and the destruction of their businesses in South Africa.
Falana made the call while speaking with journalists in Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti State, shortly after attending a reception organised in honour of the late Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi.
According to the senior lawyer, diplomatic protests and official condemnations have failed to produce lasting solutions to the repeated attacks on Nigerians residing and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa. He argued that Nigeria should invoke the principle of reciprocity in international relations by considering economic measures against South African businesses operating within the country.
Falana specifically encouraged Nigerians to explore alternatives to South African-owned companies, particularly in sectors where other service providers are available. Referring to the telecommunications industry, he suggested that consumers could voluntarily migrate to other network operators as a peaceful economic response to the continued mistreatment of Nigerians abroad.
Drawing from history, Falana recalled Nigeria’s significant role in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. He noted that during the 1970s, Nigeria demonstrated strong political will by taking bold economic actions, including the nationalisation of British Petroleum’s assets, as part of its opposition to apartheid policies. According to him, similar decisive actions may become necessary if diplomatic engagements continue to yield little or no results.
His remarks come amid renewed reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, incidents that have once again raised concerns about the safety of foreign residents and the commitment of South African authorities to protecting lives and property.
Although Nigeria and South Africa have repeatedly pledged to strengthen bilateral relations and improve cooperation on security matters, recurring attacks continue to fuel public outrage and calls for more decisive action.
Falana maintained that every sovereign nation has a responsibility to protect its citizens, regardless of where they reside, stressing that stronger diplomatic and economic responses would demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to defending the rights, dignity and safety of its people across the world.
As concerns continue to mount over the recurring violence, many Nigerians believe the time has come for practical measures that will compel lasting action while preserving the long-standing relationship between Africa’s two largest economies.
Photo Credit: Femi Falana (SAN).
Source: Media reports.
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