Allen Onyema Calls for Economic Boycott of South Africa Over Renewed Xenophobic Attacks

Air Peace founder and Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, has called on Nigerians to boycott South Africa and stop investing in the country following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

Speaking during an exclusive interview on ARISE News on Monday, Onyema expressed deep concern over the recurring violence against Nigerians living and working in South Africa. However, he emphasized that any response from Nigeria should remain peaceful and focused on economic measures rather than retaliation through violence.

His comments come amid fresh reports of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which have sparked fear among foreign communities and prompted the Nigerian government to begin evacuating some citizens from the country due to growing safety concerns.

While condemning the attacks, Onyema firmly rejected suggestions that Nigerians should take to the streets to target South Africans or destroy South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria. According to him, such actions would contradict the values Nigerians are known for and could also harm innocent people.

The airline entrepreneur also opposed calls for the Nigerian government to shut down major South African companies operating in the country, including telecommunications giant MTN. He noted that many Nigerians have investments and shareholdings in such businesses, meaning punitive actions could ultimately hurt Nigerian investors as well.

Instead, Onyema advocated what he described as a more powerful and non-violent response: withdrawing economic support from South Africa. He urged Nigerians to stop investing their money in the country and reconsider business ventures that contribute to its economy.

According to him, choosing not to invest in South Africa would send a stronger message than any form of confrontation. He argued that economic decisions have the potential to influence change without creating additional tensions or harming lives.

Onyema maintained that South African investors should remain free to do business in Nigeria, stressing that his proposed response is not about hostility but about Nigerians using their economic influence to express dissatisfaction with the continued attacks on their citizens.

The Air Peace boss stated that withdrawing support from a country perceived to be hostile is a legitimate and peaceful form of protest. He described economic boycotts as one of the most effective tools available to citizens who wish to make their voices heard without resorting to violence.

The renewed xenophobic attacks have once again reignited discussions about the safety of Africans living in other parts of the continent and the need for stronger diplomatic efforts to protect citizens abroad. As tensions continue to rise, Onyema’s call for an economic boycott is likely to fuel further debate on how Nigeria should respond to the recurring incidents.