APFFLON Warns Xenophobic Attack an Impediment to AfCFTA, Commends FG for Evacuating Nigerians from South Africa
APFFLON President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite
The National President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for its swift and decisive response in evacuating Nigerian citizens affected by the recent wave of xenophobic attacks and anti-immigration protests in South Africa.
Otunba Ogunojemite described the government’s prompt intervention as a demonstration of its commitment to the safety, welfare and protection of Nigerians wherever they may be, stating that the action has restored confidence among citizens and reaffirmed the government’s responsibility to defend the interests of its people.
The APFFLON President expressed deep concern over the recurring incidents of xenophobia and hostility towards fellow Africans in South Africa, warning that such actions constitute a serious impediment to the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He noted that the objectives of AfCFTA cannot be achieved in an environment where African citizens, traders, investors and legitimate businesses are subjected to intimidation, discrimination and violence.
According to him, the African Continental Free Trade Area was established to foster economic integration, facilitate the free movement of goods and services, encourage investment and strengthen economic cooperation among African nations. Xenophobic attacks and anti-immigration protests run contrary to these objectives and threaten the confidence required for intra-African trade and investment to flourish.
Otunba Ogunojemite called on all African governments, the African Union, the AfCFTA Secretariat and regional economic bodies to condemn these attacks in the strongest terms and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. He stressed that all affected countries should not treat the situation with kid gloves, as silence or weak responses could embolden future attacks and undermine the vision of a united and prosperous Africa.
He further urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to remain focused on strengthening the nation’s economy by improving infrastructure, guaranteeing stable electricity supply, modernising the nation’s ports, reducing the cost of doing business, promoting industrialisation and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian goods and services across African markets.
“The greatest response to external challenges is to build a resilient and competitive economy. Nigeria must concentrate on creating an enabling environment for businesses, manufacturers, exporters, freight forwarders and logistics operators to thrive. A stronger economy will position Nigeria to maximise the enormous opportunities presented by AfCFTA,” he said.
The APFFLON President reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting policies that promote seamless trade, efficient freight forwarding, logistics development and regional economic integration. He also appealed to African leaders to uphold the principles of unity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, which remain fundamental to the success of continental trade and sustainable economic development.
