Nigeria’s governing party’s National Chairman, APC, Adams Oshiomhole, encouraged Nigerians to boycott South African products and services in protest against the murders of Nigerians and other citizens residing there.
At a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, Mr Oshiomhole gave the advice.
He recalled that Nigerians have been mistreated in various areas of South Africa over the previous year.
“This is the time to show commitment to our citizens and show sympathy to our loved ones,” the party chairman said.
“This can be done by boycotting South African goods and services beginning with Nigerians refusing to use MTN mobile network.
“Happily, we have indigenous network such as Glo, Airtel and I believe 9mobile is still standing by.
”If Nigerians boycott the goods and services at least for 30 days; first, to stop using MTN network services, it will send a clear message.
“We have to review all of those things that give South African companies monopoly in which it makes money with very little value addition.
“We think that these steps will be appropriate message to South African government to offer satisfactory explanation.
”It should also pay compensations to those innocent Nigerians whose properties have been looted.
“South African Airways should be stopped, its landing right should be withdrawn and should not have the right to fly any part of Nigeria until these issues are resolved.
“We must protect Nigeria’s image its citizens and businesses wherever they are,” he said.
Mr Oshiomhole’s advice comes two days after Nigeria said that it would recall its ambassador to protest the xenophobic attacks.
Nigeria also boycotted the South African World Economic Forum that Vice President Yemi Osibanjo was to attend.
The Nigerian government has also called for compensation for Nigerians whose businesses were destroyed in the attacks.
On Wednesday, the Government of Nigeria urged its citizens in South Africa to take advantage of a free flight to return to their country.
However, after some South African-linked companies were assaulted in Lagos and other towns, the government cautioned its people against reprisals.
The attacks were also condemned by the South African government. President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday that in the recent round of violence 10 individuals were murdered. Two non-South Africans are among the victims, he said.
The Nigerian government had previously said that in the recent assaults, none of its people were murdered, although many Nigerian-owned companies were ruined.
