By Kingsley Ojeme
ABUJA — The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has cautioned Nigerians and the Federal Government against retaliatory actions targeting South African businesses operating in Nigeria following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
The Centre, while condemning the attacks, described the incidents as deeply disturbing and inconsistent with the ideals of African unity and cooperation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Executive Director, Muda Yusuf, the CPPE lamented that many Nigerian migrants had reportedly been victims of the attacks.
“It is regrettable that some South Africans continue to target fellow Africans despite our shared history, common identity and collective aspirations as a continent,” Yusuf stated.
“Africans ought to see themselves as brothers and partners in development. What is unfolding in parts of South Africa sadly contradicts the spirit of African solidarity and Pan-African cooperation.”
The economic policy group, however, argued that retaliatory measures against South African investments in Nigeria would be counterproductive and damaging to both economies.
According to Yusuf, the attacks do not represent official South African government policy but are criminal acts driven largely by socio-economic frustrations.
“These criminal acts should not be tolerated, and the South African authorities must demonstrate unequivocally that such conduct will not be condoned under any circumstance,” he said.
The CPPE warned against proposals in some quarters advocating sanctions against South African firms in Nigeria, including the revocation of operating licences or nationalisation of assets.
“Extreme responses such as targeting South African investments in Nigeria, revoking operating licences of South African firms or nationalising South African-owned assets would be inappropriate, disproportionate and counterproductive,” the statement noted.
“Such measures could damage longstanding bilateral relations, weaken investor confidence and undermine the broader objective of African economic integration.”
The Centre stressed that South African companies operating in Nigeria have made significant contributions to the economy through job creation, improved service delivery and increased government revenue.
Major South African firms operating in Nigeria include MTN Group, Shoprite Holdings, MultiChoice Group and Standard Bank Group.
Yusuf warned that disrupting their operations would negatively affect Nigerian workers, suppliers, service providers and consumers who depend on the businesses.
He advised the Federal Government to pursue constructive diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to ensure the protection of Nigerians and other African migrants living in the country.
“The Nigerian government should strengthen bilateral engagements with South African authorities to ensure the safety and protection of Nigerians in that country,” he said.
The CPPE also urged South Africa to address underlying socio-economic issues fueling xenophobic tensions, including unemployment, inequality, poor service delivery and institutional weaknesses.
“Ultimately, the priority should be the protection of lives, strict enforcement of the rule of law, and preservation of African solidarity and economic cooperation,” the statement added.
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