The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has called on Nigerians to boycott South Africa economically, accusing South Africans of unfairly blaming Nigerians for many of their country’s challenges.
Speaking amid recurring tensions between citizens of both countries, Onyema described South Africans as “lazy” and alleged that they often scapegoat Nigerians instead of addressing their domestic issues.
The airline executive, however, urged Nigerians to refrain from any form of violence or hostility against South Africans living or doing business in Nigeria. He specifically cautioned against attacks on South African-owned businesses, including telecommunications giant MTN, stressing that retaliation would only worsen relations between the two nations.
According to Onyema, Nigerians should adopt a more strategic response by withholding investments and economic patronage rather than engaging in actions that could threaten lives or property.
He argued that many Nigerians have made significant investments in South Africa over the years despite repeated incidents of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians. Onyema maintained that continued investment in the country sends the wrong message and urged citizens to redirect their resources toward opportunities within Nigeria and other markets.
The Air Peace boss emphasized that economic decisions can serve as a powerful tool for expressing dissatisfaction, adding that Nigerians should leverage their financial influence to protect their interests without resorting to confrontation.
His remarks come against the backdrop of longstanding diplomatic and social tensions between Nigeria and South Africa, often fueled by periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence and accusations of criminal activities involving foreign nationals.
Over the years, relations between the two African powerhouses have experienced periods of strain, particularly following attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa. Such incidents have frequently sparked public outrage in Nigeria and prompted calls for stronger responses from both governments.
Despite his criticism of South Africa, Onyema reiterated the need for peaceful engagement and mutual respect, insisting that Nigerians must not descend into violence or target innocent individuals. Instead, he called for economic patriotism and greater support for local businesses as a means of strengthening Nigeria’s position.
The comments have generated mixed reactions on social media, with some Nigerians backing Onyema’s call for an economic boycott while others argue that stronger diplomatic engagement is needed to address the recurring tensions between the two countries.
