The senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has called for the revocation of licences belonging to South African companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN and DSTV, following renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
His call came during plenary as lawmakers reacted to the latest wave of violence, with the House of Representatives also condemning the attacks and urging the Federal Government to take urgent diplomatic action to protect Nigerian citizens abroad.
Speaking on the floor of the Senate, Oshiomhole insisted that Nigeria must adopt a firm and reciprocal approach in its response.
“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 the nationalisation of MTN and withdrawal of 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 cutting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day. That Nigeria nationalise it and withdraw its licence,” he said.
He also extended the call to DSTV, alleging economic exploitation and urging the government to create opportunities for indigenous firms.
“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 attacks to internal political dynamics in South Africa, noting that anti-immigrant sentiments have increasingly influenced public attitudes toward foreign nationals, including Nigerians. He maintained that strong economic countermeasures would improve Nigeria’s bargaining power.
“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.
Also speaking, Senator Victor Umeh raised concerns 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.
Umeh further called on the African Union to intervene decisively and impose sanctions on South Africa.
“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 development reflects mounting pressure on the Federal Government to adopt stronger diplomatic and economic measures in response to recurring xenophobic violence, as lawmakers push for decisive action to safeguard Nigerians abroad.
