Sanction South African businesses over xenophobic attacks on Nigerians - Falana tells government

Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, called on the Federal Government to impose economic sanctions on South African companies operating in Nigeria in response to recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and the destruction of their businesses in South Africa. Speaking with journalists in Ilawe-Ekiti, Falana argued that diplomatic protests alone would not compel the South African government to take decisive action. He maintained that Nigeria has a responsibility to respond appropriately if Nigerians are being chased out of South Africa and their businesses destroyed.

Falana urged Nigerians to patronise alternatives to South African-owned businesses, including telecommunications giant MTN. He also advocated the revocation of mining licences granted to South African companies operating in Nigeria, insisting that stronger economic measures would demonstrate Nigeria's commitment to protecting its citizens abroad. Falana also blamed the Nigerian government for failing to adequately protect its citizens from harassment and human rights violations across Africa. According to him, Nigeria has denied its citizens an important legal avenue by failing to recognise the jur...