Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) has called for the revocation of licences held by South African companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN and DStv, in response to renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
The appeal came as the House of Representatives on Tuesday condemned the latest wave of violence and urged the Federal Government to take immediate diplomatic and protective measures for Nigerians abroad. Oshiomhole made his remarks during a Senate plenary, citing 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 proposed that Nigeria nationalise MTN and withdraw its operating licence, arguing the company repatriates large sums of money while Nigerians face hostility overseas. He said such a move would create opportunities for local firms and serve as a strong response to what he described as economic and social targeting of Nigerians in South Africa.
“This Senate should adopt a position that MTN, a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day, should be nationalised and have its licence withdrawn,” he said.
The senator also urged the revocation of DStv’s licence, accusing the company of unfair practices and economic exploitation, and called on Nigerians to take over roles currently occupied by foreign firms.
Oshiomhole linked the tensions to domestic political dynamics in South Africa, saying anti-immigrant sentiments have been exploited in that country’s politics and have shaped attitudes toward foreign nationals, including Nigerians. “These Nigerians who are in South Africa, they are not there on holiday. They are there to work and to earn,” he said. “When we hit back, the president of South Africa will go on his knees to recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated.”
Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) also expressed alarm over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, saying many are forced to hide and cannot move freely. He urged the African Union to intervene and impose sanctions if necessary, recalling Nigeria’s historical support for the anti-apartheid struggle.
“The AU, of which South Africa is a member, should raise now and impose necessary sanctions,” Umeh said. “We cannot allow this to continue.”
The calls from lawmakers add to growing pressure on the Federal Government to adopt a firmer stance amid recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, with demands for both diplomatic engagement and economic countermeasures to protect Nigerians abroad.
