Now that the South African's have Overdone It

We have continued to receive several verified reports of xenophobic attacks on Nigerian's by South African's. It has become more disheartening with the recent closure of the Nigerian Embassy in South Africa. We might have grievances with our government in our homeland, that's our problem and we shall solve it at home. We might call for foreign investors, our sovereignty remains our strength.

In addition, we have received several reports of how foreign nationals (expatriates) treat our country men roughly working for them especially at home. The working conditions are terrible, the working environment is nothing to write home about, the incentives are meagre, and the retirement benefits is non-existent. I can recall a recent case of a multinational in the oil and gas industry that claims to be distressed. In a bid to reduce overhead, they laid off Nigerians (mostly senior staffs) and retained expatriates (who in most cases received more than x5 of what a Nigerian is paid).

We accept that our labour laws needs to be improved upon by the lawmakers. The cases of victimization and intimidation are unnumbered, unending renewal of contract employment (all to ensure that they have no access to some incentives and a pension when relieved), the absence of a health scheme, provision of low quality safety kits, very low remuneration and more remains a challenge.

The emotional control of Nigerians who have worked under harsh conditions with some of this foreign companies is about outpouring it's bounds, and the resultant effect looks carters trophic. In the last 24 hours, I have received reports that Nigerians are about to react to the situation and a reprisals attacks will not yield anything good for both parties.

I know some foreign nationals in Lagos are witness to the change in the security architecture; they drove themselves everywhere they went without an escort, now they need escorts. They could stop to eat anywhere and take a stroll on the street without any security threats, now that is changing. I heard a uber taxi escaped an attacked because it carried a foreign national.

However, retaliation is never been the best response to the situation. We need to define what Nigerian's want and address the situation once and find a lasting solution before it gets out of hand.

Nigerians wants to be free to do legitimate businesses anywhere in the world. Nigerians want the Federal Government to place a stiff sanction on the South African government. Nigerians want an open apology from the president of South Africa and an immediate sack of her government officials in support of these attacks. Nigerian's want better labour law's and policies that would address issues raised above. Nigerians wants respect and a peaceful working environment. Nigerians want effective and efficient utilization of corporate social responsibility. Nigerians are peace loving people. Good People! Great Nation!

I use this medium to appeal to my countrymen to shun all forms of violence on both Nigerians and foreigners. I can accept a boycotting of products and services of the oppressor. Violence is not an option.

Thank you, and stay blessed.

Aminu Lookman Enitan
4th September, 2019
Deputy Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter,
National Youth Council of Nigeria

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