Business
The Taming of Nigerians in Ghana and South Africa: What Exactly Is the Crime of Being Nigerian?
The Taming of Nigerians in Ghana and South Africa: What Exactly Is the Crime of Being Nigerian?
Written by George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
In recent years, Nigerians living in Ghana and South Africa have faced targeted discrimination, xenophobia and state-backed crackdowns that have left many questioning: What is truly wrong? Is the problem with the Nigerian people? Our government? Or is it rooted in envy, fear or cultural misunderstanding? The situation has worsened so much that the word “Nigerian” now evokes caution, hostility or outright rejection in countries where we were once welcomed as brothers. It is time to dissect this crisis with brutal honesty.
Nigeria: Giant or Target Let’s start from the obvious. Nigeria is the most populous black nation on earth, with over 220 million people, a dominant cultural influence and economic reach that stretches across Africa. Nigerians are visible in nearly every industry; from banking, tech, fashion, music, academics and more professionally. From the bustling markets of Accra to the high-rise offices in Johannesburg, the Nigerian footprint is evident, but that footprint has turned into a target.
In 2019, South Africa witnessed some of the most brutal anti-immigrant violence in modern African history. Nigerians were chased, beaten and even killed under the pretext that they “took jobs” from locals and were “criminals.” Ironically, many of these Nigerians were legal immigrants, business owners or skilled workers. The same narrative plays out in Ghana, where the government continues to harass Nigerian traders, shutting down their shops, demanding unrealistic business capital requirements and subtly encouraging nationalist sentiments.
We must ask: Is this about CRIME or is it about COMPETITION?
Envy Masquerading as Nationalism. Professor PLO Lumumba of Kenya once said, “The tragedy of Africa is that Africans are in the business of colonizing themselves.” The treatment of Nigerians abroad is not about our attitudes or our government alone. it is about envy. Envy of our dominance in trade. Envy of our linguistic confidence. Envy of our fearlessness in the face of adversity. Nigerians are loud because we are expressive; we are bold because we are survivors.
As music icon Burna Boy said, “We are Africans, but Nigerians carry the spirit of resilience in extra doses.” Unfortunately, this same resilience has become a threat to host nations who feel overshadowed economically, culturally and even socially by Nigerians.
In Ghana, Nigerians control significant portions of the retail market. In South Africa, Nigerians are deeply involved in hospitality, entertainment, education, sports and legal enterprise. Instead of collaboration, these successes have sparked coordinated efforts to frustrate Nigerian migrants. And local governments, failing to address their own unemployment and corruption, deflect blame by scapegoating foreigners and especially Nigerians.
Government Failure and Diplomatic Weakness. While the governments of Ghana and South Africa must be held accountable for the injustices, we cannot ignore the negligence of Nigeria’s own leadership. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to these attacks with cowardly press statements and useless diplomatic jargon. Where is the assertiveness of a government defending its people abroad?
When South African mobs killed and injured Nigerians, the Nigerian government did not demand justice with urgency or economic sanctions. When Ghanaian authorities locked Nigerian shops, our diplomatic mission begged instead of taking a firm stand. As former South African president Thabo Mbeki once warned, “We must deal with the real causes of our problems not find scapegoats among those who come to us in peace.”
Nigeria has the economic power to retaliate. Our imports and exports to these nations are substantial. Nigerian-owned businesses bring millions of dollars into these host economies annually. Yet, we act like a toothless giant; feared only for our population, but respected by none just because our government lacks the will to defend its people.
Are Nigerians Too Loud? This is a common accusation that Nigerians are too loud, too flashy, too aggressive, but what critics call “loud” is often just confidence. Nigerians do not whisper in the face of injustice. We don’t shrink in foreign lands. We thrive and we let you know we are thriving. That is not a sin.
Cultural assertiveness is often mistaken for arrogance, but would we prefer to walk around heads bowed, pretending we are not the drivers of African innovation, culture and progress? Nigerians have a saying: “Person wey dey run no go carry last.” We push ourselves because our system has failed us and wherever we go, we push limits to survive.
LET US NOT APOLOGIZE FOR SUCCEEDING.
The Criminal Stereotype: Fact or Fabrication? Of course, not every Nigerian abroad is a saint. Like every country, Nigeria has its share of criminals; but to use the actions of a few to tarnish an entire nation is intellectually dishonest and morally bankrupt.
If crime is the issue, are Ghanaian or South African prisons filled with only Nigerians? Statistics from South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services reveal that Nigerians make up less than 5% of the foreign inmate population, a far cry from the image painted by media and mobs. In Ghana, less than 1% of foreign convicts are Nigerians. The real danger is not Nigerians; it is propaganda.
As Namibian freedom fighter Sam Nujoma once stated, “An injury to one African is an injury to all. We must never forget this sacred unity.” We must stop accepting the criminal stereotype and fight it with facts. The average Nigerian abroad is a student, a trader, a professional and not a threat.
What Must Be Done?
1. Nigeria Must Fight for Its People.
Our government must take decisive steps; economic retaliations, policy reviews and protective diplomacy. If you touch one Nigerian, you touch us all. That must be our foreign policy mantra.
2. African Unity Must Be More Than a Slogan.
The African Union and ECOWAS must stop pretending and start acting. Attacks on Nigerians are attacks on African unity. Countries hosting Nigerians must be held accountable for hate crimes and institutional xenophobia.
3. Change the Narrative.
Nigerians abroad must actively promote positive stories. From Dr. Philip Ozuah, CEO of Montefiore Health System in the U.S., to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in literature, we have heroes. Let their stories be louder than the noise of our detractors.
4. Nigerians Must Be Vigilant.
Avoid illegal activities, yes, but also avoid silence. Form communities. Work with local authorities. Use the law. Fight stereotypes with excellence.
My Final Thoughts on This.
The targeting of Nigerians in Ghana and South Africa is not just about crime, noise. (Loud) or culture. It is a mix of government failure, local envy and institutional scapegoating. Nigerians must not COWER. We are not PERFECT, but we are POWERFUL. Our diaspora drives Africa’s intellectual, creative and economic engine. Rather than bow our heads, we must raise our voices and assert our right to live, work and thrive wherever we are. As Kwame Nkrumah once declared, “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.” That unity must start with Africans protecting Nigerians and Nigeria protecting Nigerians.
Written by George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing *737*90#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
About Guaranty Trust Bank
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.
About HabariPay
HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:
GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com
Business
BUA Group, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group Launch Strategic Plan for World-Class Sugar and Agro-Logistics Hub at Khalifa Port
BUA Group, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group Sign MoU to Explore Collaboration in Sugar Refining, Agro-Industrial Development, and Integrated Global Logistics Solutions
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Monday, 16th February 2026
BUA Group, AD Ports Group, and MAIR Group of Abu Dhabi today signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration in sugar refining, agro-industrial development, and integrated global logistics solutions. The partnership aims to create a world-class platform that strengthens regional food security, supports industrial diversification, and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for trade and manufacturing.
The proposed collaboration will leverage BUA Group’s industrial and logistics expertise, Khalifa Port’s world-class infrastructure, and AD Ports Group’s operational experience. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051, which seeks to position the UAE as a global leader in sustainable food production and resilient supply chains. It also aligns with Nigeria’s food production- and export-oriented agricultural transformation agenda, focused on scaling domestic capacity, strengthening value addition, improving post-harvest logistics, and unlocking new markets for Nigerian produce across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
Photo Caption: L-R: Kabiru Rabiu, Group Executive Director, BUA Group; Cpt. Mohammed J. Al Shamisi, MD/Group CEO, AD Ports Group; Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO (Ports Cluster) AD Ports Group; Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder/Executive Chairman, BUA Group; and Steve Green, Group CFO, MAIR Group
Through structured aggregation, processing, storage, and maritime export channels, the partnership is designed to reduce supply chain inefficiencies, enhance traceability and quality standards, and also create a predictable trade corridor between West Africa and the Gulf.
BUA Group—recognised as one of Africa’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, with major investments across sugar refining, food production, flour milling, cement manufacturing, and infrastructure- brings extensive industrial expertise and large-scale operational capability to the venture. MAIR Group will provide strategic support in developing integrated logistics and agro-industrial solutions, creating a seamless platform for production, storage, and distribution.
Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, said:
“This MoU marks an important milestone in BUA’s international expansion and reflects our long-term vision of building globally competitive industrial platforms. Together with AD Ports Group and MAIR Group, we aim to develop sustainable food production and logistics solutions that strengthen regional supply chains and support the UAE’s Food Security Strategy 2051.”
He further added that, “This partnership represents not just a commercial arrangement but a strategic food corridor anchored on shared economic ambition, resilient infrastructure, and disciplined execution, reinforcing long-term food security objectives for both nations.”
A representative of MAIR Group added:
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing strategic industries in Abu Dhabi and building integrated solutions that reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub for trade, food security, and industrial excellence.”
A spokesperson from AD Ports Group commented:
“Our partnership with BUA Group and MAIR Group highlights Khalifa Port’s role as a catalyst for high-impact industrial investments. This initiative will enhance regional food security, strengthen global trade connectivity, and support Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification goals.”
This MoU marks a historic collaboration that combines world-class infrastructure, industrial expertise, and strategic vision, setting the stage for a sustainable and resilient food and logistics ecosystem that will benefit the UAE, the region, and global markets alike.
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