Lai Mohammed Warns Of Massive Job Losses If South African Businesses Are Shut Down

The Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has warmed that shutting down South African companies in Nigeria in reprisal for xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa will lead to massive loss of jobs for Nigerians working in the companies.

Mohammed said this following the attacks on some South Africa-owned companies such as Shoprite, PEP store, among others, by Nigerians on Tuesday.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Government in a statement on Tuesday night, Mohammed appealed to Nigerians to desist from further attacks on the companies.

The minister noted that investors of some companies like MTN and Shoprite are Nigerians.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has dispatched a Special Envoy to convey to his South African counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa, his concerns and also interact with his South African counterpart on the situation.

“Also, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, acting on the instruction of Mr President, has summoned the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria to get a brief on the situation; express Nigeria’s displeasure over the treatment of her citizens; and secure assurance of the safety of their lives and property,” the Minister said.