The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a four-day ultimatum to South African business interests in Nigeria to leave the country over continued attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
The ultimatum was contained in a statement issued by the National Executive Director, Corporate and Private Sector Engagement of NANS, Bestman Okereafor.
Okereafor said South African businesses in Nigeria could face action from Nigerian students if the attacks and intimidation of Nigerians in South Africa continued.
“The attention of the apex students governing body, NANS, has been drawn to continuous attacks, intimidation and subsequent chase of law-abiding, peaceful and hardworking Nigerians and other Africans from South Africa,” he said.
“As the biggest students’ body in Africa, we are giving South African business interests four days to evacuate our beloved country, Nigeria.
“The reason for this action is simple. South Africans cannot continue to oppress and chase our people from their country and expect their businesses to thrive on our soil.”
The student body warned that after the expiration of the ultimatum, it would consider picketing South African business interests in Nigeria.
Okereafor said further actions could follow if the situation was not addressed.
He called on the Federal Government and the African Union (AU) to take stronger action against South Africa over what he described as hostile treatment of Nigerians and other Africans.
“It is on record that Nigeria played a major role in support of South Africa during the apartheid struggle and should never be paid with disloyalty, disrespect and global embarrassment,” he added.
The warning comes amid renewed anti-immigration tensions in South Africa, where Nigerians and other African migrants have faced attacks, intimidation and threats.
Some Nigerian-owned businesses in South Africa were reportedly destroyed during previous xenophobic attacks.
Anti-migrant groups in South Africa had earlier issued a June 30 deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country.
