Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, has called for the revocation of operating licences of South African companies in Nigeria, including MTN and DSTV, in response to renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
His remarks came as the House of Representatives on Tuesday condemned the latest wave of attacks and urged the Federal Government to take urgent diplomatic and protective actions to safeguard Nigerians abroad.
Speaking during plenary, Oshiomhole argued that Nigeria must adopt a reciprocal stance in international relations to protect its citizens.
“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 added.
The senator specifically proposed the nationalisation of MTN, describing the telecom giant as a South African company repatriating significant revenue from Nigeria while Nigerians face attacks 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African company that is cutting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day, should be nationalised and its licence withdrawn,” he stated.
Oshiomhole further called for the revocation of DSTV’s licence, alleging economic exploitation and unfair practices, while urging that Nigerians take over roles currently dominated 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.
He linked the situation to broader political and social tensions in South Africa, noting that anti-immigrant sentiments had influenced the treatment of foreigners, including Nigerians. He insisted that stronger countermeasures would improve Nigeria’s bargaining power.
According to him, Nigerians living in South Africa are economically productive 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.
“When we hit back, the president of South Africa will go on his knees to recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated,” he added.
Meanwhile, Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, also condemned the attacks, describing the situation as alarming and unacceptable.
“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 historical support during the anti-apartheid struggle.
Umeh called for intervention by the African Union, urging sanctions against South Africa over the recurring attacks.
“The AU, of which South Africa is a member, should rise now and impose necessary sanctions,” he said, stressing that “we cannot allow this to continue.”
Elijah Adeyemi
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