Xenophobia: "I Was Rejected for Being Nigerian" | NUSA President Speaks

"I was rejected for jobs despite graduating at the top of my class because I was Nigerian." What is it really like to build a life, career and business as a Nigerian in South Africa? In this revealing episode of Borderlines, Ireti Bakare-Yusuf speaks with Barrister Smart Nwobi, President of the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA) and an immigration lawyer, about discrimination, migration, employment, and the realities facing Nigerians living in South Africa. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience, Smart Nwobi shares his personal journey from arriving on a visitor's visa to becoming a respected attorney, founding a successful law firm, and helping hundreds of migrants navigate South Africa's immigration system. In this episode: Why he says he was denied opportunities because he was Nigerian His journey from student to founder of a successful law firm The realities of South Africa's immigration laws and work permit system Why unemployment, not migrants, is at the heart of the crisis His thoughts on xenophobia, Pan-Africanism and social cohesion Whether South Africa should consider an immigration amnesty How the Nigerian government handled the evacuation of its citizens This conversation offers a rare, firsthand perspective on migration, identity, opportunity and justice in South Africa, while exploring the challenges and contributions of Nigerians living abroad. Guest: Barrister Smart Nwobi, President of the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA) and Immigration Lawyer Show: Borderlines Host: Ireti Bakare-Yusuf What are your thoughts? Do migrants deserve greater protection, or should immigration policies become stricter? Share your views in the comments. Don't forget to like, subscribe and turn on notifications for more insightful conversations on Borderlines.