Senator Umeh Says Nigeria Won’t Collapse If South African Businesses Leave
Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, said on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, July 8, 2026, that Nigeria would not collapse if South African businesses were expelled from the country. His remarks came amid reports of xenophobic attacks in South Africa where Nigerians were killed and their businesses looted. Umeh argued that there is nothing South African firms do in Nigeria that Nigerians cannot replicate, citing the 2006 effort by Daar Communications to launch digital satellite transmission, which Nigerians supported through a public offer. He warned that attacking foreigners is not the way to build a nation, but insisted Nigeria could develop those capabilities if prioritized.
The statement reflects growing anger over repeated attacks on Nigerians abroad, raising questions about whether Nigeria should retaliate economically or pursue diplomatic protections. South African companies operate in sectors such as telecommunications, retail, and banking across Nigeria, employing thousands and contributing to the tax base. A sudden withdrawal could disrupt services and investment, though Umeh believes local entrepreneurs could fill the gap. The comment highlights the tension between protecting citizens abroad and maintaining economic ties, a debate that has flared whenever xenophobic violence spikes.
Umeh’s call for self-reliance invites Nigerians to consider whether boosting local capacity in telecoms, retail, and finance could reduce dependence on foreign firms, or whether strengthening diplomatic channels to protect citizens abroad would be more effective. With no official policy announced yet, the debate remains open: should Nigerians support boycotts of South African businesses, or demand stronger government action to safeguard nationals overseas? The situation remains developing as attacks continue to be reported.