Former Edo State Governor and Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has urged the Federal Government to confiscate the profits of South African companies operating in Nigeria and use the proceeds to compensate Nigerians who suffered losses during previous xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Oshiomhole made the call while reacting to reports that a South African minister ruled out compensation for Nigerians whose businesses were destroyed, properties looted and loved ones killed during the attacks.
Calling for a tough reciprocal response, the senator argued that Nigeria should no longer tolerate what he described as unfair treatment of its citizens.
“Following comments by the South African minister to the effect that compensation will not be paid to those Nigerians whose properties were looted, shops burnt and even lives taken, the government of Nigeria should reciprocate by appropriating the profits from South African companies, including their banks like IBTC, and use that money to compensate Nigerians,” Oshiomhole said.
His remarks come amid renewed concerns over the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa following repeated incidents of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals.
Oshiomhole’s proposal is expected to spark fresh debate over Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic relations with South Africa, where several South African-owned companies maintain significant investments and business interests in the country.
