As Nigeria begins the evacuation of citizens from South Africa, it sends a positive message of capability and assurance. About 650 citizens are ready and willing to leave the cities of South Africa following the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and nationals of other African countries by the South Africans. President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the airlifting by the federal government following on the heels of an offer by Air Peace, an airline.
The evacuation is a commendable step in efforts to douse the tension the unwarranted attacks by South Africans caused in Nigeria and across Africa. We commend the federal government for this demonstration of commitment to the welfare of our citizens. It is a significant step that would reassure all Nigerians, at home and in South Africa, of the determination of their government to work in their interest.
The airlift is a pragmatic step that the present difficulties demand. It is more in tune with diplomatic best practice and the interests of Nigeria as the government and people walk a tight diplomatic rope in relations with our neighbour south of the equator.
The chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress Adams Oshiomhole, living up to his previous vocation in unionism, called last week for nationalisation of the assets and investments of South African firms in Nigeria. We think not, and urge that government should pay no heed to such calls at this stage of developments on the matter.
An existing agreement between Nigeria and South Africa on the promotion of trade and protection of mutual investments prohibits the path Oshiomhole suggested. Olusegun Obasanjo for Nigeria and Jacob Zuma for South Africa signed the “Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the reciprocal promotion and protection of investments” in April 2000.
The agreement was for an initial ten-year period, renewable for another ten years unless terminated in writing by either party giving a twelve-month notice.
The Nigeria-South Africa Trade Promotion and Investment Protection agreement is one of the tools that should guide our dealings going forward. It cautioned against the kind of violence that happened in both countries against persons and investments and also provided for restitution by the host country, just as the federal government has requested. It explicitly warned against expropriation or nationalisation of assets.
Nigeria must continue to tread the tried and tested path of diplomacy in handling this prickly matter. Our diplomatic initiatives must go beyond the economic to include people’s diplomacy that emphasises communication, mutual knowledge, influence and promotion of our cultures and people.
Relations between Nigeria and black South Africa go back to Nigeria’s early independence years. We formalised it from 1994 when black-majority rule began. The relationship has grown in several areas over the years –figures from 2016 show a balance of trade in favour of South Africa. It exported goods worth $438m to Nigeria while Nigeria imported over $2bn worth of goods.
Citizens of both countries live in each other’s lands. On the surface and with the evidence of the streets, Nigeria has more citizens living in South Africa than they do in Nigeria. Even so, it does not excuse the intolerance.
The federal government should continue to manage the matter carefully, on both bilateral and multilateral fronts. Our national interest must be foremost. Our communication must be credible, transparent, comprehensive and decisive. We must build confidence in our people with actions such as the evacuation of those in need. Our relationship with South Africa is worth protecting, but we should do it without sacrificing our interests, pride or our people.
