Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, says many Nigerians living in South Africa prefer to remain there despite xenophobic attacks rather than return home because of Nigeria’s worsening economic situation.
Obi stated this on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking at a dinner organised for aspirants of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), shortly after returning from South Africa.
According to him, efforts were made to support distressed Nigerians willing to return to Nigeria, but many allegedly declined the offer.
“I just came back last night from South Africa. You know what Nigerians are going through in South Africa and so many other African countries,” Obi said.
He stated that several Nigerians told him they preferred enduring hardship abroad because conditions in Nigeria were more difficult.
“If you don’t know, we provided facilities for them to come back. But most of them told me they would rather die there than come back. They said things are even worse at home,” he added.
The former governor expressed concern over the economic conditions in the country and urged leaders to prioritise policies that would improve citizens’ welfare and restore confidence in the economy.
Nigeria and South Africa have over the years experienced diplomatic tensions following repeated xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in some South African communities.
The attacks have at different times led to protests, diplomatic engagements and calls for stronger protection of Nigerians living abroad.
