Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has called for strong economic retaliation against South African companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN and MultiChoice, owners of DSTV, following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
His position came on Tuesday during Senate plenary, where lawmakers condemned the latest wave of violence and urged the Federal Government to take urgent diplomatic and protective measures for Nigerians living abroad.
Oshiomhole insisted that Nigeria must respond using the principle of reciprocity in international relations, arguing that economic pressure was necessary to protect citizens.
He said, “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. 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 specifically urged the Senate to consider revoking MTN’s licence and nationalising its operations, accusing the telecom giant of repatriating huge profits while Nigerians continue to 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, should have Nigeria nationalise it and withdraw its licence,” he added.
He also called for similar action against MultiChoice, owners of DSTV, alleging exploitative practices and capital flight.
“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 recurring xenophobic incidents to political and social tensions within South Africa, noting that anti-immigrant sentiments have influenced public attitudes toward foreigners, including Nigerians.
“When we hit back, the president of South Africa will go on his knees to recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated,” he said.
The motion under consideration, sponsored by Senator Osita Izunaso and presented by Senator Aniekan Bassey, was titled “A call for urgent national diplomatic and humanitarian action to defend the dignity, safety and honour of Nigerian citizens.”
Other senators also expressed concern over the attacks.
Senator Victor Umeh described the situation as alarming, saying Nigerians were living in fear abroad.
“It is worrisome. They are hiding for their lives. They can’t move freely,” he said, adding that Nigeria had historically supported South Africa during its anti-apartheid struggle.
He called on the African Union to intervene and impose sanctions to halt the violence.
Senator Abdul Ningi also warned that continued attacks could provoke retaliatory actions, stressing that Nigeria must not tolerate the killing of its citizens.
“If these things continue, we have alternatives, we have options… we know where South Africans are, not only in Nigeria but all over Africa, and we can take this fight to their territory,” he said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio condemned the attacks, describing them as “barbaric and unacceptable,” and disclosed that a joint parliamentary delegation would engage the South African legislature over the issue.
“This is just not acceptable… and we’re not seeing action from the government of South Africa,” he said.
The debate reflects growing pressure on the Federal Government to adopt a stronger diplomatic and economic response, as repeated xenophobic violence continues to strain Nigeria–South Africa relations.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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