Xenophobic attacks: NANS threatens to picket South African firms in Nigeria

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, has threatened to stage peaceful protests and picket South African companies in Nigeria over renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The coordinator of the zone, Kayode Adeyemo, made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Adeyemo expressed outrage over what he described as a fresh wave of attacks that claimed the lives of two Nigerians.

Adeyemo stated: “The recent killing of two Nigerians is not just an isolated tragedy, but a painful reminder of a recurring pattern of hostility and violence against our people.

“The continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.”

He said NANS is mobilising its members to embark on peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African firms operating in Nigeria.

Adeyemo described it as morally unjustifiable for such companies to operate profitably in Nigeria while Nigerians were allegedly being subjected to violence abroad.

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The NANS coordinator said: “It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated.”

He called on the South African government to take urgent steps to protect foreign nationals and ensure justice for victims of the attacks.

He added that the association remained open to dialogue with business representatives, diplomatic channels and other stakeholders to address the situation.