Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria made significant sacrifices for the liberation of South Africa, revealing that portions of scholarship allowances paid to Nigerian students were deducted to support anti-apartheid movements.
Shettima made the remarks on Sunday during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State held in Sierra Leone, where he condemned the recent wave of xenophobic attacks against migrants in South Africa.
He called on ECOWAS leaders to table the issue at the next African Union (AU) Summit, stressing that a united regional position would send a strong message that xenophobia has no place in Africa.
According to the Vice President, South Africa should remember the contributions made by countries such as Nigeria and Ghana to its struggle against apartheid, noting that the country’s current freedom was achieved through the collective efforts and sacrifices of fellow African nations.
Shettima added that South Africa’s challenges should not be blamed on fellow Africans who migrated to the country in search of legitimate opportunities.
Nigeria has continued to express concern over the treatment of its citizens following the resurgence of xenophobic violence in South Africa in April. Reports indicate that at least four Nigerians were killed during the unrest.
The Federal Government has since evacuated 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa in seven batches and maintained that while diplomatic engagement remains its preferred approach, it has not ruled out taking further measures if necessary.
