Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has urged the Federal Government to revoke the operating licences of South African firms in Nigeria, including MTN and DStv, following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
His position comes as the House of Representatives on Tuesday denounced the latest incidents and called on the Federal Government to take swift diplomatic and protective action.
Speaking during plenary, the former Edo State governor insisted that Nigeria must take a firm stand to safeguard its citizens, invoking the principle of reciprocity in international relations.
“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.”
Oshiomhole suggested that Nigeria should nationalise MTN and withdraw its licence, arguing that the company repatriates substantial revenue while Nigerians face hostility abroad.
“This Senate should adopt a position that MTN, a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day. That Nigeria nationalise it and withdraw its licence,” he said.
He maintained that such action would open up opportunities for indigenous companies and serve as a strong countermeasure to what he described as economic and social targeting of Nigerians in South Africa.
The lawmaker also advocated revoking DStv’s licence, accusing the firm of unfair practices and economic exploitation, while encouraging Nigerians to take over roles currently held by foreign companies.
“I call on the Federal Government to revoke DSTV, which is also a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars,” he said.
Oshiomhole linked the tensions to broader political developments in South Africa, noting that anti-immigrant rhetoric has influenced public attitudes toward foreign nationals, including Nigerians. He added that such measures would strengthen Nigeria’s bargaining position.
He further argued that Nigerians living in South Africa are economically active and not dependent on the host country.
“These Nigerians who are in South Africa, they are not there on holiday. They are there to work and to earn.
“When we hit back, the president of South Africa will go on his knees to recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated,” he said.
Another senator, Victor Umeh, who represents Anambra Central, also expressed concern over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, describing the situation as deeply troubling.
“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 support during the anti-apartheid struggle.
Umeh called on the African Union to step in and impose sanctions, warning that continued attacks on Nigerians cannot be tolerated.
“The AU, of which South Africa is a member, should raise now and impose necessary sanctions,” he said, adding that “we cannot allow this to continue,” he said.
The situation underscores mounting pressure on the Federal Government to take a tougher stance, with lawmakers advocating both diplomatic engagement and economic countermeasures to protect Nigerians abroad.
