Xenophobia and Nigeria-South Africa Economic Relations (2011 - 2021)
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2022-12
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Lead City University
Abstract
This study is an attempt to establish a link between the attack on Nigerians in South Africa and the trade and economic relations between Nigeria and South Africa as well as the patronage of South African multinational companies in Nigeria within the period under study. The objective of the study was to examine the causes and implications of xenophobia on trade relations between Nigeria and South Africa within 2011-2021. The Economic Growth Theory and Trickle-Down Effect Theory were reviewed as the theoretical framework of this study. Secondary sources of data were obtained from relevant books, journals, articles, newspapers, and blogs. Findings from this study revealed that no fewer than 117 Nigerians were extra-judicially killed in South Africa within 2016-2018, and over 5 buildings occupied by Nigerian business were burnt with unprecedented looting. There were also reports of attacks and looting of goods belonging to Nigerian businessmen and women. However, the causes of the xenophobic attack on Nigerians in South-Africa were found to be poverty which has its roots in apartheid. But, contrary to popular perception, Nigerians were said to have exaggerated the effect of violence on their citizens, probably because Nigeria has a better organised, savvy, and loud diaspora constituency in South Africa. It was concluded in this study that the ugly trend of xenophobic attacks has resulted in a cold war between Nigeria and South Africa in their socio-economic and political relationships. It is then recommended that the government of the South African should work towards fulfilling its constitutional and international obligation of protecting the lives, properties, and rights of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in their country, irrespective of their race or sex, creed or colour as articulated in various international agreements in which the country is signatory of.
Keywords: International economic relations, Nigeria, South Africa, Xenophobia
Word Count: 291
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Kate Turabian