Xenophobia in South Africa has
led to the killing and persecution of other nationalities including
Nigerians. The constant attacks and the underlying hatred have been a
source of concern to Nigeria and Africa at large.
About 13 hours ago, on Tuesday, March 21, the Nigeria Union in South Africa said five Nigerians had been attacked in Polokwane, Limpopo Province of that country in renewed xenophobic attacks.
In
view of the 2017 Day commemoration, NOIPolls presented a poll, which
gauged the perceptions of Nigerians on migration and vital
socio-economic attributes relating to migration, as well as the
perceptions of Nigerians on the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The
first part of the poll was aimed at finding out the percentage of
Nigerians leaving in foreign countries and the poll result showed that
about 61% of Nigerians have relatives living and abroad, and though the
highest is the United States of America with 67%, the third is South
Africa with 31%.
The
reason for this migration are the normal ones we all know, ranging from
better living conditions, better job opportunities, better
opportunities for educational advancement, social interaction and
financial stability.
However with the increasing
unsafe nature of South Africa, what are some steps the Nigerian
government can take? The NOIPolls asked the question and got this
result:
Below is a quick analysis of the steps the Nigerian government can take:
1. Advise citizens to come back home
If
the poll was to be followed, then the Nigerian government should
encourage Nigerians to return. However, as earlier pointed out, many
migrated for reasons that cannot be easily overlooked.
2. Diplomatic dialogue
8
days ago on, Monday, March 13, Nigeria's minister of foreign affairs,
Geoffrey Onyeama and his South African counterpart, Maite
Nkoana-Mashabane held a meeting.
The meeting was to diffuse
soaring tensions over a recent string of attacks on migrants living in
South Africa which has elicited reactions in Nigeria. This is the route
25% of Nigerians are advising.
3. Employment creation
17% of the respondents believe that ‘employment creation’ in Nigeria would reduce the migration of Nigerians to South Africa.
4. Cut off ties with South Africa
Other Nigerians proposed a total cutting off of ties with South Africa as the appropriate response to the Xenophobic attacks.
5. Provide security
5% of the respondents believed that providing security for Nigerians in South Africa will help.
6. Investigate the actual problem
7. Encourage investment
8. Provide social amenities
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