Allen Onyema, the chairman of Air Peace has called on Nigerians to stop investing in South Africa as a peaceful response to recurring xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African migrants in the country.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Onyema said economic measures would send a stronger message than violence, stressing that Nigerians should withdraw investment interests from South Africa while allowing South African firms to continue operating in Nigeria under existing regulations.
“The kind of retaliation I want is for Nigerians to boycott South Africa. Don’t invest in that country. If they want to invest in our country, let them bring their money and invest, and you determine how they take the money back. That is non-violence action,” he said.
The airline chief expressed frustration over repeated attacks on foreign nationals, accusing South African authorities of failing to adequately protect migrants during periods of unrest.
According to him, many Nigerians living in South Africa contribute significantly to the economy through entrepreneurship and job creation, rather than constituting a burden on the country.
“He brought money from Nigeria and opened a shop in your country to help your country and help you. The best you could have done is to learn from these Nigerians on how to acquire some entrepreneurial skills,” Onyema said.
While backing calls for a firm response to xenophobic attacks, he warned against any form of violence or retaliation against South Africans residing in Nigeria.
“I don’t want Nigerians to go to the street and attack any South Africans,” he stated.
Onyema also opposed shutting down South African-owned businesses in Nigeria, noting that such companies employ thousands of Nigerians and have local investors.
“I don’t want Nigeria to close down MTN or other people’s businesses. Some Nigerians have shares in those companies. After all, those people are employing Nigerians too,” he added.
His remarks come amid renewed anti-foreigner protests in parts of South Africa, where demonstrators have reportedly demanded that undocumented migrants leave the country before the end of June, prompting concerns among affected African nations.
