Senator Dandutse Muntari Mohammed has criticised the recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, describing the situation as unfair despite Nigeria’s longstanding support for South African businesses.
Speaking during an interview on TV Platinum, the lawmaker expressed concern over what he called a contradiction between South Africa’s economic interests in Nigeria and the treatment meted out to Nigerians living in the country.
According to him, Nigeria has created a welcoming environment for major South African companies to operate and prosper. He pointed to the presence of businesses such as Stanbic IBTC Bank, MTN Group, and MultiChoice, owners of the DStv platform, noting that they continue to generate huge revenues from Nigeria’s large market.
“In Nigeria today, we allow South African businesses to thrive. There is Stanbic IBTC bank, MTN, DSTV. They are making hundreds of billions of dollars in Nigeria,” he stated.
The senator argued that the strong economic relationship between both countries should be matched with mutual respect, safety, and protection for Nigerians residing in South Africa.
He further warned that persistent attacks on Nigerians could negatively affect diplomatic and economic relations between both nations, while also increasing pressure on Nigerian authorities to review policies affecting foreign businesses operating in the country.
