The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a warning to the South African government over recurring and brutal xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa, threatening sweeping economic retaliation if the situation persists.
In a letter addressed to the South African
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a warning to the South African government over recurring and brutal xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa, threatening sweeping economic retaliation if the situation persists.
In a letter addressed to the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Thamsanga Dennis Mseleku, at the South African High Commission in Abuja, NANS expressed deep outrage and declared a final warning over the continued targeting of Nigerian citizens.
The statement, signed by the President of NANS, Comrade Atiku Isah, said the association — representing over 40 million Nigerian students — could no longer tolerate what it described as the systematic victimisation of Nigerians in South Africa.
“It is deeply regrettable that some South Africans have resorted to brutalising their fellow Africans,” the statement read.
“We must remind your government of the pivotal, frontline role Nigeria played —financially and diplomatically — in dismantling the oppressive Apartheid regime. We stood by South Africa in its darkest hours, making immense sacrifices for your liberation.”
NANS described the alleged attacks as a gross betrayal of the shared Pan-African struggle that once united both nations.
“It is a gross betrayal of our shared Pan-African history to see Nigerians subjected to such hostility today,” Comrade Isah stated.
The student body warned that it had “completely run out of patience,” issuing a clear ultimatum to South African authorities.
“Therefore, this letter serves as an official ultimatum: should there be any further reports of a Nigerian citizen being attacked or killed in South Africa, NANS will immediately mobilise our millions of members nationwide to shut down operations and force MTN, alongside other South African business interests, out of the Nigerian market."
NANS further stressed that it would no longer remain passive in the face of reckless disregard for Nigerian lives.
“We will no longer fold our arms while the lives of our citizens are treated with reckless disdain.
“We demand that the South African government takes immediate, decisive action against the perpetrators and ensures the absolute protection of Nigerians within its borders.”
The association called on the South African government to treat the warning with urgency and seriousness, emphasizing that failure to act could trigger nationwide student-led protests and economic disruptions.
“We expect your government to heed this warning with the utmost seriousness it demands,” Comrade Isah added.
