Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on the federal government to impose economic sanctions on South African companies operating in Nigeria in response to renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and the destruction of their businesses in South Africa.
Falana said Nigeria should adopt a policy of reciprocity in its diplomatic relations with South Africa, arguing that economic measures would send a stronger message than routine diplomatic protests.
Speaking with journalists after a thanksgiving service and reception held in honour of the late Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi (Afuntade I), in Ilawe Ekiti, Ekiti State, the senior lawyer said the government should consider restricting the operations of South African businesses where viable Nigerian alternatives exist.
He urged Nigerians to patronise indigenous firms instead of some South African-owned companies, insisting that such economic pressure would compel the South African government to take decisive action against recurring attacks on Nigerians.
Falana recalled that Nigeria had previously taken similar measures during the apartheid era, noting that strategic national interests should take precedence where Nigerian citizens are repeatedly targeted abroad.
He also faulted the federal government for failing to grant Nigerians direct access to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Arusha, Tanzania, despite being a member of the African Union.
According to him, Nigeria has yet to deposit the required declaration that would allow individuals to institute cases directly before the continental court, a move he said would have enabled victims of xenophobic attacks to seek legal redress against South Africa.
Falana argued that empowering Nigerians to approach the African Court would strengthen the protection of their rights across the continent, just as citizens can seek justice at the ECOWAS Court of Justice for human rights violations within the West African sub-region.
The senior advocate also criticised the federal government’s plan to phase out electricity subsidies, warning that the policy could pave the way for another increase in electricity tariffs.
He maintained that rather than withdrawing subsidies, the government should consider taking back control of electricity distribution companies if they fail to deliver reliable power supply.
Falana alleged that successive administrations had invested billions of dollars in the power sector without corresponding improvements in electricity supply, insisting that Nigerians should not bear the burden of inefficiencies within the industry.
He called on citizens to demand improved electricity services before accepting any policy that could lead to higher tariffs, stressing that reforms must prioritise service delivery and consumer protection.
