Following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on the Federal Government to revoke the operating licenses of South African-owned companies in Nigeria, specifically MTN and DStv (MultiChoice).
Speaking during a Senate plenary Oshiomhole argued for a policy of reciprocity in international relations, stating, “If you hit me, I hit you”.
“I don’t want this Senate to be shedding tears to sympathise with those who have died. We didn’t come here to share tears,” he said. “If you hit me, I’ll hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It’s an economic struggle.”
The former Edo State governor proposed that Nigeria should nationalise MTN and withdraw its operating licence, arguing that the company repatriates substantial revenue while Nigerians face hostility in South Africa.
“This Senate should adopt a position that MTN, a South African company that is taking away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day, should have Nigeria nationalise it and withdraw its licence,” he stated.
Oshiomhole also extended the call to MultiChoice, urging the Federal Government to revoke DStv’s licence over what he described as exploitative practices.
“I call on the Federal Government to revoke DStv, which is also a South African company that is taking away millions of dollars,” he added.
According to him, such measures would serve as a deterrent and create opportunities for indigenous businesses, amid what he described as sustained economic and social targeting of Nigerians in South Africa.
The senator linked recurring xenophobic tensions to domestic political dynamics in South Africa, noting that anti-immigrant rhetoric has increasingly shaped public attitudes toward foreign nationals.
“When we hit back, the president of South Africa will recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated,” he said.
Oshiomhole made the remarks while contributing to a motion sponsored by Osita Izunaso and presented on the floor by Aniekan Bassey under matters of urgent public importance.
Titled “A call for urgent national diplomatic and humanitarian action to defend the dignity, safety and honour of Nigerian citizens,” the motion highlighted growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa.
Also speaking, Senator Victor Umeh described the situation as alarming, warning that Nigerians in South Africa are living in fear.
“It is worrisome. They are hiding for their lives. They can’t move freely. This is a situation where people are paying 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, stressing that continued attacks on Nigerians could no longer be tolerated.
“The AU should rise now and impose necessary sanctions. We cannot allow this to continue,” he said.
Senator Abdul Ningi also warned that Nigeria may take stronger measures if the attacks persist.
“If a crime has been committed under South African law, they have the right to prosecute, but to kill our people as if we are helpless, we will not allow that,” he said. “We have options, and these should be communicated clearly.”
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio condemned the attacks, describing them as unacceptable and barbaric. He disclosed that the National Assembly would send a joint delegation to engage with the South African parliament over the matter.
“This is not acceptable. This is cruel and strange behaviour, and we are not seeing sufficient action from the South African government,” Akpabio said.
The development highlights growing pressure on the Federal Government to adopt a tougher stance, as recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa continues to strain diplomatic relations and trigger calls for economic countermeasures and stronger protection for Nigerians abroad.
