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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

VIDEO: I run business legally, employ 30 South Africans, Nigerian man resists closure

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A Nigerian businessman in South Africa is resisting demands to close his shop, citing his legal operation, tax payments for 13 years, and employment of over 30 South Africans.
  • Protesters insist foreign-owned businesses must close, dismissing his documentation and concerns about his employees' livelihoods.
  • The confrontation occurs amid intensified anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, with the businessman stating he will only close if directed by the government.

A Nigerian businessman operating a shop in South Africa is facing intense pressure from local protesters to shut down his establishment. He is resisting these demands, asserting that he operates legally, pays taxes, and employs over 30 South Africans whose livelihoods depend on the business.

When the Chinese were running this shop, they used to have one worker or two workers. But since I started running this shop, I created an opportunity for about 20-something to 30-something South Africans who are working here.

— Nigerian businessmanExplaining the employment impact of his business on South African locals.

In a video circulating online, the shop owner is seen engaging with protesters who insist that foreign-owned shops must close. Despite his pleas to wait for an official government directive or to arrange a handover, the protesters dismissed his documentation and concerns. "We don’t care," they stated, demanding immediate closure.

We don’t want any foreigner to run any business here, including you… Today, you close it.

— ProtestersDemanding the immediate closure of the Nigerian businessman's shop.

The businessman highlighted his long-standing presence, stating, "I have run my business, pay tax for 13 years now… I’m not illegal." He expressed concern for his South African employees, saying, "I have 30-something workers here, South Africans, who, if you close this shop, they will be displaced." He is seeking a capable South African to manage the shop if he must leave.

I have run my business, pay tax for 13 years now… I’m not illegal. If the government insists that I should close my shop and go… I will close and go.

— Nigerian businessmanStating his legal standing and willingness to comply with government orders.

This incident occurs as anti-immigrant sentiment and protests intensify across South Africa. Some groups have issued deadlines for undocumented foreigners to leave. The South African government has recently begun repatriating Nigerians and has acknowledged the negative economic impact of xenophobic claims, including cancellations of shows for South African artists abroad.

I have 30-something workers here, South Africans, who, if you close this shop, they will be displaced. I want to make sure that while I’m going, they’re in good hands… Get me a South African who is capable to manage this shop.

— Nigerian businessmanExpressing concern for his employees and seeking a solution for business continuity.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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