Nigeria Won’t Collapse If South African Businesses Leave — Umeh

The senator representing Anambra Central, Victor Umeh, has said Nigeria would not suffer economic collapse if South African businesses were forced to leave the country, insisting that Nigerians possess the capacity to provide the same services locally.

Umeh made the remarks on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today while reacting to recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa.

The lawmaker condemned the attacks, which have reportedly claimed the lives of some Nigerians and led to the destruction and looting of businesses owned by foreign nationals.

According to him, Nigeria should not continue to tolerate hostile treatment of its citizens while South African companies continue to operate freely within the country.

“We can send them away from here, even their business, who cares? It’s not like Nigeria will collapse if they go, we will never collapse,” Umeh said.

He argued that driving foreigners out of any country is not a sustainable approach to nation building, warning that South Africa could ultimately suffer economic and diplomatic consequences if xenophobic attacks persist.

“Attacking and sending foreigners out of your country is not the way to build a nation. By the time people avoid going to South Africa, they will see the hurt they have done to themselves,” he added.

The senator maintained that Nigerians have the expertise and resources to replace the services currently provided by South African businesses operating in the country.

He cited the example of Daar Communications, recalling that the company attempted to introduce digital satellite television services in Nigeria in 2006.

According to Umeh, many Nigerians invested in the project because they believed the country could successfully develop indigenous alternatives to foreign owned businesses.

He stressed that with the right government policies and investments, Nigeria could expand its digital technology sector and create more opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

“There’s nothing they’re doing in Nigeria that we cannot do for ourselves,” he said.

Umeh further argued that prioritising local innovation and supporting indigenous businesses would strengthen the economy while reducing dependence on foreign investments in key sectors.

His comments come amid renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa following reports of fresh xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians, and renewed calls for stronger diplomatic engagement between both countries.