The association also applauded the Federal Government for swiftly evacuating affected Nigerians, describing the intervention as timely and reassuring.
The National President of the association, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, said the government’s prompt response demonstrated its commitment to protecting the lives and welfare of Nigerians abroad. He said it also reassured citizens that their safety remains a national priority.
Ogunojemite expressed concern over the recurring attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, noting that such incidents pose a serious threat to the successful implementation of AfCFTA.
According to him, AfCFTA was established to deepen economic integration across Africa by promoting the free movement of goods and services, encouraging investment and expanding intra-African trade. He said these objectives cannot be achieved in an environment where African citizens, investors, traders and legitimate businesses are subjected to intimidation, discrimination and violence.
“The success of AfCFTA depends not only on trade policies but also on the ability of Africans to live, work and conduct business freely and safely across the continent,” he said.
Ogunojemite called on African governments, the African Union, the AfCFTA Secretariat and regional economic organisations to strongly condemn the attacks and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. He said failure to respond decisively could encourage further violence and undermine confidence in the continent’s economic integration agenda.
He also urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s economy through improved infrastructure, reliable electricity supply, modernisation of the nation’s ports, reducing the cost of doing business, industrialisation and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian goods and services.
According to him, building a resilient economy remains Nigeria’s best response to external challenges and will enable the country to maximise the opportunities created by AfCFTA.
He added that APFFLON would continue to support policies that promote efficient freight forwarding, logistics development, seamless trade and regional economic integration.
APFFLON
The association also appealed to African leaders to uphold the principles of unity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, stressing that these values are essential to achieving sustainable development and unlocking the full benefits of continental trade.
