The latest wave of xenophobic attacks against Africans in South Africa is a painful reminder that the dream of African unity remains incomplete. Reports of businesses being looted, innocent people assaulted and foreign nationals forced from their communities expose a disturbing failure to uphold human dignity and the rule of law.
For Nigerians, the situation is especially painful. Nigeria invested enormous diplomatic and financial resources in the struggle against apartheid. Today, many of its citizens have become targets of violence in the same country their nation once helped to liberate. Such attacks deserve firm condemnation from South African authorities and the international community.
However, outrage must not replace sound judgment.
Retaliation should not become self-harm
Calls to nationalise or shut down South African businesses operating in Nigeria may satisfy public anger. Nevertheless, such actions would ultimately hurt Nigerians more than South Africans.
Companies such as MTN Nigeria, MultiChoice Nigeria and Stanbic IBTC have become part of Nigeria’s economic landscape. Millions of Nigerians depend on them for employment, investments, pension returns and essential services. Damaging these businesses would weaken investor confidence. It would also discourage much-needed domestic and foreign investment.
History offers an important lesson. Economic retaliation that ignores long-term national interests rarely produces lasting political gains. Instead, it often creates consequences that linger for years.
Diplomacy remains Nigeria’s strongest option
This does not mean the Federal Government should remain silent. Rather, it should respond firmly through lawful and strategic channels.
Abuja should intensify diplomatic engagement with Pretoria. It should demand stronger protection for Nigerians living in South Africa. It must also insist that those responsible for xenophobic attacks face justice.
Nigeria should work with the African Union, the Southern African Development Community and other regional institutions to sustain pressure on South Africa. Although these organisations have attracted criticism for slow responses, diplomacy remains more effective than actions that damage Nigeria’s own economy.
Protect Nigerians at home and abroad
The Federal Government should also strengthen consular support for Nigerians living overseas. Swift evacuation, legal assistance and regular communication should become standard responses whenever citizens face organised violence abroad.
At the same time, Nigeria must confront the deeper issues driving migration. Many young Nigerians leave because they seek better opportunities, security and stable livelihoods. Building a stronger economy remains the most effective way to reduce that dependence on opportunities elsewhere.
South Africa must act decisively
South African authorities cannot continue to treat xenophobic violence as isolated incidents. Political leaders, law enforcement agencies and civil society groups must reject every form of violence against fellow Africans.
Silence only emboldens those who attack innocent people under the guise of protecting economic interests. Equally troubling are attempts to justify these attacks instead of addressing their root causes.
A response guided by national interest
Nigeria should defend its citizens with determination. It should pursue every legitimate diplomatic option and demand accountability from South African authorities. At the same time, it must avoid policies that damage its own economy.
The country should respond with strategy rather than emotion. Protecting Nigerians abroad and strengthening opportunities at home remain the most effective answers to xenophobia. That approach serves Nigeria’s long-term national interest far better than measures that inflict more harm on Nigerians than on those responsible for the attacks.
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