By Chucks Nwonye
Allen Onyema, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian airline – Air Peace, has called on Nigerians to halt investments in South Africa and boycott the country, citing what he described as persistent hostility and inadequate protection for foreign nationals.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Onyema accused some South Africans of unfairly blaming Nigerians for economic and social challenges in the country. He characterized those attitudes as coming from “foolish and lazy” individuals unwilling to address local problems directly.
“Some South Africans are foolish and lazy people who unfairly blame Nigerians for their problems,” Onyema said. “Instead of violence, Nigerians should respond through peaceful economic action. We have the numbers and the economic strength to make our point felt.”
The Air Peace boss urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to reconsider business ties, investments, and tourism to South Africa. He argued that redirecting capital and consumer spending would send a stronger message than confrontation.
Onyema also directed criticism at the South African government, accusing authorities of failing to provide adequate security and protection for foreign nationals living and working in the country. He referenced recurring incidents of xenophobic attacks that have targeted African migrants, including Nigerians, over the past decade.
“Any government that cannot protect foreign nationals who contribute to its economy has failed in a basic responsibility,” Onyema stated. “Nigerian businesses and professionals have built schools, hospitals, and companies in South Africa. We deserve safety and respect, not scapegoating.”
The comments come amid renewed tensions between citizens of both countries on social media, following recent reports of attacks on foreign-owned shops in parts of South Africa. Relations between Nigeria and South Africa have been strained several times since 2008 by bouts of xenophobic violence, diplomatic summons, and retaliatory protests.
Onyema emphasized that his call was for “peaceful economic action” rather than retaliation or violence. He said Nigerians should focus on strengthening intra-African trade within other markets and support homegrown industries as an alternative.
“Africa cannot develop if Africans keep fighting Africans,” he said. “But development also requires mutual respect. If a country cannot guarantee that, then Nigerians must vote with their wallets and their feet.”
Air Peace operates multiple international routes, including flights to Johannesburg, making it one of the few Nigerian carriers with direct links to South Africa. Onyema did not state whether the airline would alter its operations to South Africa, but noted that business decisions must consider the welfare of staff and passengers.
Economic analysts say a widespread boycott could affect sectors where Nigerians are active investors in South Africa, including telecommunications, banking, real estate, and retail. Nigeria remains one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment into South Africa from the continent, according to trade data from both governments.
The South African High Commission in Abuja and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation had not issued an official response to Onyema’s remarks as of press time.
Community leaders in South Africa have previously condemned xenophobic violence and maintained that criminal activity, not nationality, drives most incidents. They have also urged African governments to improve economic opportunities to reduce competition and tension between citizens and migrants.
Onyema’s statement is likely to reignite debate over migration, economic competition, and diplomatic relations between Africa’s two largest economies. Both Nigeria and South Africa play leading roles in the African Union and African Continental Free Trade Area, and have pledged cooperation on regional integration.
For now, the Air Peace CEO says the ball is in the court of ordinary Nigerians. “We built businesses in South Africa. We can build bigger ones here and in other African countries that welcome us,” he concluded.
The call to action has already sparked discussion among business groups and civil society organizations in Lagos and Abuja, with many awaiting formal reactions from the Nigerian government and the South African authorities.
