Xenophobia: Falana urges action against S’African firms in Nigeria
August 3, 2026 1:56 am
File: Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana
By Abiodun Nejo
Human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), has canvassed economic measures against South African companies in Nigeria over recurring xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and the destruction of their businesses in South Africa.
Falana, who said mere diplomatic protests might not compel the South African government to take decisive action against attacks targeting Nigerians, urged the Federal Government to adopt measures based on the principle of reciprocity in international relations.
He spoke at Ilawe Ekiti on Saturday in a chat with journalists after a reception held in honour of the late Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi.
The senior advocate said that the move by the Federal Government to approach the African Union to protest the attacks might not yield positive results as it might only end with the adoption of a resolution without concrete enforcement.
Falana said, “The Federal Government will have to employ diplomatic action, but beyond that, it should also adopt economic measures against South African companies operating in Nigeria.
“International diplomacy is about reciprocity. If they chase out Nigerians and destroy their businesses, Nigeria has a duty to act. South African companies here should be sanctioned where there are alternatives.
“Where there are alternatives, Nigerians should be encouraged to migrate from MTN because there are alternatives. That is one way South Africa will know that Nigeria is serious.
“In the 1970s, because of apartheid in South Africa, Nigeria nationalised British Petroleum. It should also be possible today to nationalise some South African investments in Nigeria if necessary.
“There is the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Arusha, Tanzania, established by the African Union to address human rights abuses in member states.
“Nigeria has refused to allow its nationals access to that court by failing to deposit the necessary instruments.
“If Nigerians could approach the African Court in the same way citizens can approach the ECOWAS Court in Abuja, South Africa would have been dragged before the court by victims of xenophobic attacks.
“I challenge the government of Nigeria to allow citizens access to the African Court without any further delay. Victims of gross human rights violations in African countries should have the opportunity to seek justice before the continental court, just as they can at the ECOWAS Court,” he said.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]