South African Businesses In Nigeria Face Protest Threat

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for the boycott of South African owned business in Nigeria following death of Mrs Elizabeth Ndubuisi-Chukwu, Deputy Director-General of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, in June.

Nigeria is home to around 120 South African companies, including MTN, Shoprite, Multichoice, South African Airways and Game.

The call has been criticised by the South African government. In a statement issued by Anna-Maria Jojozi, the Counsellor in-charge of Political Affairs at the South African High Commission in Abuja writes, "I wish to express my department's concern regarding statements said to emanate from student organisation in Nigeria, calling for expulsion of South Africans and protests at South African owned businesses.”

"The protests are said to be in response to alleged killings of Nigerians by South Africans; as you are aware these allegations are devoid of truth, reckless and unwarranted.

"We find these statements most unfortunate as they do not reflect the strong relations that exist between the people and the Government of South Africa and Nigeria.

"The two countries enjoy strong bilateral relations, which were forged over many years during our struggle for liberation in South Africa; also, in this democratic era supported by the people and Government of Nigeria."

Ms Jojozi reassured that the Nigerian Government was taking the threat seriously and that South Africa's Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Bobby Moroe, had engaged various officials regarding the concerns. 

She also highlighted the important contribution of South African companies to Nigeria, both in terms of job creation and social responsibility programs.