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Protesters yesterday demanded that South African citizens and businesses leave Nigeria. Earlier, they vandalized the head office of mobile giant MTN in Abuja, in retaliation for anti-Nigerian violence in Gauteng, South Africa. The National Association of Nigeria Students says it has given citizens of this country 48 hours to get out, otherwise the attacks will continue.
MTN says in a statement that it is concerned by attacks on non-nationals both in South Africa and in Nigeria. A group of anti-xenophobia protesters attacked MTN’s call centre at their offices and stole equipment including cellphones.
The MTN office in Abuja, Nigeria after being vandalised by protesters.
Should Nigerians continue with the retaliative attack on South African businesses? Here are reasons not to:
1. They are Legitimate Businesses: The businesses owned by South Africa in Nigeria are legitimate, and lawfully registered. Some of them have Nigerians as investors and stakeholders.
2. Thousands of Nigerians are employed in their workforce: From Shoprite to MTN Nigeria, DSTV, among other companies owned by South Africa in Nigeria, thousands of Nigerians are employed in their workforce and attacks could mean the end of their employment in these companies.
3. Damage Nigeria's Economy: Reprisal attack against South Africa’s business interests in Nigeria could cause huge damage to our economy. It may also hindere Africa's growth as the two nations control the economic viability of Africa as a whole.
4. Weakened relationship between Nigeria and South Africa – Nigeria is a major component in the struggle against apartheid. The two countries are respected global players. The attacks is not just about the two countries, but the future of Africa as a continent. Should these attacks continue without prominent people in the society intervening, the relationship between the two countries might be weakened.
5. Reprisal Attacks Spread Hate: We should also stop the hate culture we have within our own communities. What we are outraged about also happens daily in 'Nigeria. Every time you stereotype anyone, it is a step closer to fuelling the flames of hate.
MTN says in a statement that it is concerned by attacks on non-nationals both in South Africa and in Nigeria. A group of anti-xenophobia protesters attacked MTN’s call centre at their offices and stole equipment including cellphones.
The MTN office in Abuja, Nigeria after being vandalised by protesters.
Should Nigerians continue with the retaliative attack on South African businesses? Here are reasons not to:
1. They are Legitimate Businesses: The businesses owned by South Africa in Nigeria are legitimate, and lawfully registered. Some of them have Nigerians as investors and stakeholders.
2. Thousands of Nigerians are employed in their workforce: From Shoprite to MTN Nigeria, DSTV, among other companies owned by South Africa in Nigeria, thousands of Nigerians are employed in their workforce and attacks could mean the end of their employment in these companies.
3. Damage Nigeria's Economy: Reprisal attack against South Africa’s business interests in Nigeria could cause huge damage to our economy. It may also hindere Africa's growth as the two nations control the economic viability of Africa as a whole.
4. Weakened relationship between Nigeria and South Africa – Nigeria is a major component in the struggle against apartheid. The two countries are respected global players. The attacks is not just about the two countries, but the future of Africa as a continent. Should these attacks continue without prominent people in the society intervening, the relationship between the two countries might be weakened.
5. Reprisal Attacks Spread Hate: We should also stop the hate culture we have within our own communities. What we are outraged about also happens daily in 'Nigeria. Every time you stereotype anyone, it is a step closer to fuelling the flames of hate.
