The President of the National Association of University Students, Dr. Meshach Nwankwo, has threatened to mobilise lawful actions against South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria if concerns over alleged xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa are not addressed within one week.

Nwankwo made the declaration in a video aired by News Century Television and shared on the NewsCenturyTV YouTube channel on Monday, where he condemned what he described as repeated attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa and called on the South African government to take decisive action.

“We will also begin lawful action to ensure that South African-based businesses in Nigeria are shut down, and our headquarters will be relocated to the South African High Commission in Nigeria so the South African government takes definitive, comprehensive, lasting measures against this cancer that is threatening the lives and future of Nigerians in South Africa,” he said.

The NAUS president said the association was deeply concerned by recent developments involving Nigerians in South Africa, stressing that student leaders could not remain silent over the situation.

“The National Association of University Students unequivocally condemns every act of xenophobia, hate speech and violence directed against Nigerians and indeed against any African living lawfully within another African nation,” Nwankwo stated.

He added that Africa’s strength lies in “unity, mutual respect and shared prosperity,” insisting that “there is absolutely no place for hatred or violence amongst brothers and sisters on our continent.”

Calling for accountability, Nwankwo urged the South African government to thoroughly investigate allegations of attacks, intimidation and incitement against Nigerians in accordance with the rule of law, saying those found culpable should be held accountable.

He also appealed to the South African High Commission in Nigeria to seek assurances on the safety and protection of Nigerians living in South Africa.

Warning that the association could escalate its response if its concerns were ignored, Nwankwo said, “Should these concerns remain inadequately addressed within one week from this press statement, we reserve the constitutional rights to mobilise peaceful and lawful advocacy, including peaceful demonstrations and other democratic engagements in defence of the dignity and safety of Nigerian students and citizens.”

The remarks come amid recurring reports of xenophobic incidents in South Africa, where Nigerian nationals have repeatedly been among those affected. Similar protests have been organised by student groups in previous years, including demonstrations and temporary disruptions at some South African-owned businesses in Nigeria during periods of heightened tensions.

The video has attracted mixed reactions on social media, with some users backing the proposed actions as a response to xenophobic attacks, while others questioned the practicality of targeting South African investments that employ thousands of Nigerians and argued that diplomatic engagement by the Federal Government remains the appropriate channel for resolving such disputes.

South African companies, including MTN, Shoprite and MultiChoice, have significant operations in Nigeria, while successive Nigerian governments have previously engaged South Africa through diplomatic channels over the safety and protection of Nigerian citizens living in the country. (The PUNCH)