Listen to story here
The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has warned that recurring xenophobic attacks and anti-immigration protests in South Africa pose a serious threat to the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while commending the Federal Government for its swift evacuation of Nigerians affected by the crisis.
National President of APFFLON, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, said the Federal Government’s prompt response demonstrated its commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad and reaffirmed its responsibility to safeguard their welfare.
According to him, the evacuation restored confidence among Nigerians and reflected the government’s resolve to defend the interests of its citizens wherever they may be.
Ogunojemite expressed concern over the repeated attacks on fellow Africans in South Africa, warning that such incidents undermine the core objectives of AfCFTA, which seeks to deepen economic integration, promote the free movement of goods and services, attract investment and strengthen trade across the continent.
He said an atmosphere of intimidation, discrimination and violence against African citizens, traders, investors and businesses is incompatible with the vision of a borderless African market.
“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,” he said.
The APFFLON president urged African governments, the African Union, the AfCFTA Secretariat and regional economic blocs to unequivocally condemn the attacks and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
He warned that weak responses or silence could embolden future attacks and erode confidence in intra-African trade and investment.
Ogunojemite also called on the Federal Government to strengthen Nigeria’s economy by investing in critical infrastructure, ensuring stable electricity supply, modernising seaports, lowering the cost of doing business, promoting industrialisation and improving the competitiveness of Nigerian products 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.
He reaffirmed APFFLON’s commitment to supporting policies that promote efficient freight forwarding, seamless trade, logistics development and regional economic integration.
Ogunojemite further appealed to African leaders to uphold the principles of unity, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, stressing that these remain essential to achieving sustainable economic development and the long-term success of AfCFTA.
