Femi Falana Urges Economic Sanctions on South African Firms in Nigeria

• Femi Falana (SAN) urges economic sanctions against South African companies in Nigeria due to recurring xenophobic attacks.
• Falana argues that diplomatic protests may not be enough to compel the South African government to act, and that reciprocity is key in international relations.
• He suggests nationalising South African investments in Nigeria as a means of reciprocity, citing the 1970s precedent of nationalising British Petroleum due to apartheid-era policies.

If they chase out Nigerians and destroy their businesses, Nigeria has a duty to act. South African companies here should be sanctioned where there are alternatives.

The recent surge in xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa has reignited debates about the effectiveness of diplomatic protests in addressing human rights abuses. While some argue that international diplomacy can yield positive results, others contend that more drastic measures are needed to compel governments to act. In this context, senior advocate Femi Falana (SAN) has urged the Federal Government to adopt economic sanctions against South African companies operating in Nigeria as a means of reciprocity in international relations.

According to Falana, the principle of reciprocity is fundamental to international diplomacy. If South Africa can chase out Nigerians and destroy their businesses, then Nigeria has a duty to act accordingly. This means that economic measures such as sanctions or nationalisation of South African investments in Nigeria should be considered. In fact, Falana points out that Nigeria's experience with apartheid-era South Africa provides a precedent for such action. In the 1970s, Nigeria nationalised British Petroleum due to its involvement in apartheid policies.

Falana also highlighted the importance of allowing Nigerians access to the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights. Established by the African Union, this court is designed to address human rights abuses in member states. However, Nigeria has yet to deposit the necessary instruments to allow its nationals to access the court. Falana challenges the government to rectify this situation, enabling victims of xenophobic attacks to seek justice before the continental court.

Lawyers should advise clients to consider migrating from MTN and other South African-owned businesses in Nigeria, as Femi Falana urges economic sanctions on these firms in response to xenophobic attacks.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH