The Nigerian Youth Unions Government (NYUG), in partnership with the Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria (ELFON), has issued a one month ultimatum to South Africans residing in Nigeria and South African owned businesses operating in the country to leave by August 10, 2026, citing continued xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
The demand was made on Friday during a press conference in Abuja following what the groups described as an emergency meeting involving ethnic youth associations, student unions and public interest groups.
Addressing journalists, the National President of the Nigerian Youth Unions Government, Amb. Godstime Chukwubuikem Samuel, condemned the alleged killings, attacks and destruction of businesses belonging to Nigerians in South Africa.
He said the treatment of Nigerians by South Africans was unacceptable, recalling Nigeria’s support for the anti apartheid struggle.
“It would have been tolerable if our people were only asked to leave South Africa, but their businesses were destroyed and our citizens were killed in cold blood. It is very painful,” he said.
The coalition called on the Federal Government to revoke work permits, residence permits, study permits, expatriate quotas and other approvals granted to South Africans in Nigeria.
It specifically urged the Federal Ministries of Interior, Labour and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Nigeria Immigration Service, to take immediate action.
The groups also asked South African companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN, MultiChoice, owners of DStv and GOtv, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Protea Hotels and Shoprite, to cease operations and leave the country before the August 10 deadline.
They further criticised the Federal Government’s reported ₦500,000 compensation to Nigerians who returned from South Africa following xenophobic attacks, describing the amount as inadequate.
According to the coalition, Nigerian lives and properties lost during the attacks deserve greater compensation and stronger government intervention.
The youth groups also urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to provide an update on discussions with the South African government regarding compensation for Nigerians whose businesses were destroyed and those who lost their lives during the attacks.
They said they would formally submit their demands to the South African Embassy in Nigeria and the Federal Government.
The groups expressed condolences to families of Nigerians who reportedly lost loved ones in the xenophobic attacks, while insisting that Nigeria must take decisive measures to protect the interests of its citizens.
