Senator Adams Oshiomhole
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North, has urged the Federal Government to consider revoking the operating licences of South African firms in Nigeria, including MTN and DSTV, in response to renewed xenophobic violence against Nigerians in South Africa.
His remarks followed Tuesday’s plenary session in the House of Representatives, where lawmakers strongly condemned the latest attacks and called for urgent diplomatic action and protection for Nigerian citizens.
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Speaking during debate, Oshiomhole insisted that Nigeria must respond decisively, arguing that international relations should be guided by reciprocity.
“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.”
He further suggested that Nigeria should take control of MTN’s operations, claiming the telecoms giant repatriates substantial revenue while Nigerians continue to suffer discrimination abroad.
“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African company that is cutting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day, should be nationalised and its licence withdrawn,” he added.
Oshiomhole also called for the cancellation of DSTV’s licence, accusing the pay-TV company of unfair economic practices and capital flight, while advocating stronger support for local businesses to replace foreign operators.
He linked the renewed tensions to South Africa’s domestic political climate, noting that anti-immigrant rhetoric has increasingly shaped attitudes toward foreign nationals, including Nigerians. He argued that firm countermeasures would improve Nigeria’s negotiating strength.
He maintained that Nigerians 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,” he said, adding that a strong response would compel South African leadership to reconsider its stance.
Senator Victor Umeh of 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 historic support during the anti-apartheid struggle.
Umeh called on the African Union to intervene and impose sanctions, stressing that continued attacks on Nigerians could not be ignored.
“The AU, of which South Africa is a member, should rise now and impose necessary sanctions,” he added.
The developments highlight increasing pressure on the Federal Government to adopt tougher diplomatic and economic responses as lawmakers push for stronger measures to protect Nigerians living abroad.
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