By Lizzy Chirkpi
A coalition of youth organisations under the Nigerian Youth Unions Government (NYUG), in partnership with the Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria (ELFON), has given South African-owned companies operating in Nigeria a 30-day ultimatum to cease operations and leave the country over the recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
The coalition announced the ultimatum on Friday during a press conference in Abuja, where its National President, Amb. Godstime Chukwubuikem Samuel, accused the South African government of failing to protect Nigerians and their businesses from recurring xenophobic attacks.
The group directed South African companies, including MTN, MultiChoice, owners of DStv and GOtv, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Protea Hotels, Shoprite and other South African-owned businesses, to wind down their operations and leave Nigeria on or before August 10, 2026.
“We hereby order that MTN, MultiChoice (DStv and GOtv), Stanbic IBTC Bank, Protea Hotels, Shoprite and all other South African-owned companies operating in Nigeria should leave Nigeria on or before 10th August, 2026,” the group declared.
The coalition also called on South African nationals residing in Nigeria to leave within the same period.
“We join all well-meaning Nigerians to call on all South Africans living in Nigeria to leave our country on or before 10th August, 2026,” it said.
Addressing the Federal Government, the youth organisations urged the Ministries of Interior, Labour and Employment, and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Nigeria Immigration Service, to revoke work permits, residence permits, expatriate quotas, study permits, CERAP approvals and other official authorisations granted to South African nationals.
The coalition said its demands were prompted by the reported killing of Nigerians and destruction of their businesses during the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
“It would have been tolerable if our people were only asked to leave South Africa, but their businesses were destroyed and our citizens killed in cold blood. It’s very painful,” the statement read.
The group also faulted the Federal Government’s reported payment of ₦500,000 to affected Nigerians who returned from South Africa, describing the compensation as grossly inadequate.
“The Federal Government’s paltry ₦500,000 compensation to the affected Nigerian returnees from South Africa is quite laughable. Nigerian lives are worth far more than ₦500,000,” it stated.
The coalition further urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to make public the outcome of its engagements with the South African government on compensation for Nigerians whose businesses were destroyed and for the families of those allegedly killed during the attacks.
It also disclosed that formal letters conveying its resolutions would be delivered to the South African High Commission in Abuja and relevant Federal Government agencies.
The latest demand comes against the backdrop of recurring diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa over xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians. Previous outbreaks of violence have led to diplomatic protests, the evacuation of affected Nigerians, and calls for stronger bilateral measures to protect citizens and their businesses in both countries.