Aniefiok Christopher
The Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has called for the revocation of operating licences of South African companies in Nigeria, including MTN and DStv, following renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
The call came as the House of Representatives, on Tuesday, condemned the latest wave of attacks and urged the Federal Government to take immediate diplomatic and protective measures.
In 2019, Oshiomhole, then APC chairman, called for the nationalization of South Africa-owned companies operating in Nigeria.
Among the South African companies Oshiomhole wanted the federal government to immediately nationalise are MTN, a multinational mobile telecommunications company operating in many African, European and Asian countries, Stanbic Bank and the direct broadcast satellite service DStv.
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Recall that Nigeria summoned South Africa’s acting high commissioner for a meeting in Abuja following concerns over protests targeting foreigners and attacks on Nigerian citizens and their businesses.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Saturday that the meeting is scheduled for Monday at its headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, the lawmaker said Nigeria must respond firmly to protect its citizens, citing the principle of reciprocity in international relations.
He said, “I don’t want this Senate to be shedding tears or sympathising with those who have died. We didn’t come here to share tears.
“If you hit me, I’ll hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It’s an economic struggle.”
Oshiomhole proposed that Nigeria should nationalise MTN and withdraw its operating licence, arguing that the company remits significant revenue out of the country while Nigerians face hostility abroad.
“This Senate should adopt a position that MTN, a South African company that takes millions of dollars out of Nigeria every day, should be nationalised and its licence withdrawn,” he stated.
According to him, such a move would create opportunities for local firms and serve as a strong response to what he described as the economic and social targeting of Nigerians in South Africa.
The senator also called for the revocation of DStv’s licence, alleging unfair practices and economic exploitation, and urged Nigerians to take over roles currently occupied by foreign companies.
“I call on the Federal Government to revoke DStv’s licence, as it is also a South African company taking millions of dollars out of the country,” he said.
Oshiomhole linked the current tensions to broader political dynamics in South Africa, noting that anti-immigrant sentiments had featured in the country’s domestic politics and were influencing attitudes towards foreign nationals, including Nigerians, maintaining that such steps would strengthen Nigeria’s bargaining position.
The lawmaker further argued that Nigerians living in South Africa were economically productive and not dependent on the host country.
“These Nigerians in South Africa are not there on holiday; they are there to work and earn a living.
“When we hit back, the President of South Africa will recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated,” he said.
Another lawmaker, Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, also raised concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, describing the situation as alarming.
“It is worrisome… they are hiding for their lives and cannot move freely. This is a situation where people are repaying good with evil,” he said, referencing Nigeria’s historical support for the anti-apartheid struggle.
Umeh called on the African Union to intervene and impose sanctions, warning that Nigeria could not continue to tolerate attacks on its citizens.
“The AU, of which South Africa is a member, should rise now and impose the necessary sanctions,” he said, adding that “we cannot allow this to continue.”
The development reflects growing pressure on the Federal Government to adopt a stronger stance amid recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, with lawmakers pushing for both diplomatic engagement and economic countermeasures to safeguard Nigerians abroad.
Akpabio condemns xynophobic attacks on Nigerians
During the plenary on Tuesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio criticised the South African government over what he described its failure to respond to attacks on Nigerians in the country.
“The lives of Nigerians are very, very important and crucial, and that’s why we are here; we are here to protect the lives, the welfare and the properties of Nigerians,” Akpabio said during the plenary on Tuesday.
“This is just not acceptable. This is barbaric, this is crude, this is unheard of, this is stone-age behaviour.”
The senate president said the absence of decisive action by South African authorities is concerning.
“And we are not seeing action from the government of South Africa. That is the aspect that annoys me. We are not seeing action,” he said.
The senate subsequently condemned the attacks on Nigerians and resolved to constitute a joint ad hoc committee with the house of representatives to visit South Africa.
Lawmakers said the delegation, to be led by Akpabio, will undertake a fact-finding and diplomatic visit to South Africa.
They said the visit is aimed at finding lasting solutions to the crisis, while the delegation is expected to engage the South African parliament to formally convey Nigeria’s displeasure.
The senate also resolved to write to the Speaker of the South African parliament, adding that Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the minister of foreign affairs, would be invited to brief the chamber on diplomatic efforts.
The resolutions followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Osita Izunaso and presented by Aniekan Bassey.
The motion was titled “Intensifying xenophobic persecution of Nigerians in South Africa and Ghana: A call for urgent national, diplomatic and humanitarian action to defend the dignity, safety and honour of Nigerian citizens.”
The senate said the attacks have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of businesses and displacement of families.
Lawmakers said victims have suffered psychological trauma and loss of dignity, adding that there has been a lack of accountability for perpetrators.
The senate warned that failure to act could worsen diplomatic tensions and regional instability and urged the government to establish a protection framework that will include early warning systems, evacuation plans and legal support for Nigerians in the diaspora.
The chamber also recommended humanitarian assistance for victims, adding that the support should include temporary shelter, legal representation and trauma care.
The senate also observed a minute of silence in honour of Nigerians killed in the attacks.
