The ‘Nigerians Must Go’ protest may be less about public safety and more about simmering economic rivalry, cultural tension, and xenophobic undertones
By Pandita
When dozens of Ghanaians took to the streets on July 29 chanting “Nigerians Must Go,” it wasn’t just a protest—it was a symptom of a deeper, long-festering resentment. For many Nigerians living in Ghana, this was not just another outburst of frustration. It felt like an orchestrated attempt to provoke a diplomatic fracture between two of West Africa’s oldest partners.
Placards accused Nigerians of ritual killings, prostitution, and armed robbery. But beneath the surface lies a more nuanced reality—one tied to economic rivalry, cultural pride, and social friction. According to Nigerian businessmen and residents in Accra, the protest was a calculated move, not driven by crime but by competition.
“They resent us because we thrive,” said Patrick Isaac, a Nigerian businessman. “We’ve been warned not to react. They want a reaction that would create chaos and justify more crackdowns.”
At the heart of the tensions is the belief among many Ghanaians that Nigerians dominate key sectors of the informal economy—from electronics to real estate—fueling fears of marginalization. This has led to targeted policies like the controversial $1 million GIPC levy, designed to restrict foreign traders, particularly Nigerians.
Even within Ghana’s housing market, the bias is palpable. Nigerian tenants report inflated rents and random evictions—practices widely viewed as subtle yet effective ways of economic sabotage. “They believe every Nigerian is rich or corrupt,” said Emmanuel Chubike, a fashion designer from Imo State. “We’re punished for just existing.”
The recent outrage was further inflamed by the resurfacing of a 2013 video in which Chukwudi Ihenetu, a self-proclaimed “Eze Ndi Igbo” in Ghana, outlined plans to build an Igbo Village. Though Ihenetu has since apologized and clarified that the project was abandoned, the damage was done.
Social media bloggers reportedly hired to inflame sentiments against Nigerians have only worsened matters, spreading fear, misinformation, and propaganda. Four of them have been arrested, but the narrative has already taken root.
Still, both governments are trying to dial down the tension. Ghana’s President John Mahama has assured Nigeria of the safety of its citizens, and Nigeria’s envoy, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed that the protest had not spiraled into widespread hostility.
But for many Nigerians, assurances ring hollow. “There’s calm now, but fear lingers,” said trader Desmond Princewill. “We don’t know what’s next.”
Until the root causes—economic jealousy, identity politics, and xenophobia—are addressed head-on, the peace may remain fragile. And for the thousands of Nigerians who now call Ghana home, the question lingers: How long until they’re made to feel like outsiders again?
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