The Nigerian Youth Unions Government (NYUG), in conjunction with the Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria (ELFON), has called on South African citizens living in Nigeria and South African-owned companies operating in the country to leave on or before August 10, 2026, following reported xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the National President of the Nigerian Youth Unions Government, Amb. Godstime Chukwubuikem Samuel, expressed outrage over the alleged killings, attacks and destruction of businesses belonging to Nigerians in South Africa.
The group said it was deeply saddened that Nigerians, who had supported South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, were now allegedly being subjected to violence, torture and dehumanisation.
NYUG urged the Federal Government, particularly the Ministries of Interior, Labour, Foreign Affairs, and the Nigeria Immigration Service, to revoke all work permits, residence permits, study permits, expatriate quotas, CERAP approvals and other diplomatic authorisations granted to South Africans in Nigeria.
The organisation also called on South African-owned businesses, including MTN, MultiChoice (DStv and GOtv), Stanbic IBTC Bank, Protea Hotels, Shoprite, and other South African companies operating in Nigeria, to cease operations and leave the country before the August 10 deadline.
The youth group further criticised the Federal Government’s reported ₦500,000 compensation for Nigerians who returned from South Africa following the alleged attacks, describing the amount as inadequate. It urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management to provide more meaningful support for affected victims.
NYUG also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to publicly disclose the outcome of any negotiations with the South African government regarding compensation for Nigerians whose businesses were destroyed and for the families of those who allegedly lost their lives during the attacks.
The group said it would submit its resolutions and notification letters to both the South African Embassy in Nigeria and the Federal Government.
The statement was signed by Amb. Godstime Chukwubuikem Samuel, National President of the Nigerian Youth Unions Government.
