Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has urged the Federal Government to revoke the operating licences of South African firms in Nigeria, including MTN and DStv, in response to renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
His remarks followed a resolution by the House of Representatives on Tuesday condemning the fresh wave of violence and calling on the Federal Government to take urgent diplomatic and protective action.
Speaking during plenary, Oshiomhole stressed the need for Nigeria to 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.”
The former Edo State Governor advocated the nationalisation of MTN and the withdrawal of its 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 maintained that such a move would not only serve as a strong response but also open up opportunities for indigenous companies, amid what he described as sustained economic and social targeting of Nigerians abroad.
Oshiomhole also called for the revocation of DStv’s licence, accusing the company of unfair practices and economic exploitation, while urging Nigerians to take up roles currently held by foreign 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.
Linking the attacks to internal political developments in South Africa, the lawmaker noted that anti-immigrant rhetoric has become part of the country’s political discourse, shaping attitudes toward foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
He added that decisive action by Nigeria would strengthen its negotiating position.
He further emphasised that Nigerians residing in South Africa are economically active and not a burden 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.
Also contributing, Senator representing Anambra Central, Victor Umeh, expressed concern over the worsening security situation for Nigerians in South Africa, describing it 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, recalling Nigeria’s role in the anti-apartheid struggle.
Umeh called on the African Union to step in and impose sanctions, warning that Nigeria cannot continue to tolerate attacks on its citizens.
“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.”
The calls highlight mounting pressure on the Federal Government to adopt a tougher stance, as lawmakers push for a mix of diplomatic engagement and economic countermeasures to protect Nigerians living abroad.
