By Emmanuel Okogba

The National Association of Nigerian Students, Ogun State Joint Campus Council (JCC), has declared plans for protests and an immediate boycott of South African businesses following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

The Ogun JCC Chairman, Comrade Olabode Faruq Success, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.

The student body described the attacks as “barbaric and disgraceful”, warning that Nigerian students would no longer remain passive while compatriots are subjected to violence and intimidation.

It said it would mobilise students across the state for coordinated protests should the attacks persist, stressing that the boycott of MTN and DSTV was a deliberate response to what it termed “systematic hostility”.

“This is no longer a time for polite diplomacy. Nigerians are being attacked and their livelihoods destroyed. We will not remain silent,” the statement read.

NANS criticised what it called a double standard, noting that South African firms continue to operate profitably in Nigeria while Nigerians abroad face discrimination and violence.

“It is unacceptable that Nigerians show goodwill and hospitality, yet receive hostility in return. This hypocrisy will be resisted,” it added.

The association raised concerns over the safety of Nigerian youths abroad, warning that continued attacks pose a serious threat to their lives and aspirations.

While reaffirming support for African unity, NANS insisted that such unity must be anchored on justice and mutual respect, condemning xenophobia in all forms.

It urged the South African government to take decisive steps to protect Nigerians and prosecute perpetrators, warning that failure to act would be viewed as negligence.

The group also criticised South African businesses in Nigeria for their silence, accusing them of benefiting from the country’s economic environment without condemning the attacks.

NANS warned that the planned boycott and protests mark the beginning of sustained democratic actions if urgent measures are not taken to address the situation.