Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) has demanded the revocation of operating licenses for major South African firms in Nigeria, such as MTN and DSTV, in response to fresh xenophobic violence against Nigerians.
Speaking during Tuesday’s plenary, Oshiomhole invoked the diplomatic principle of reciprocity, insisting that Nigeria must deploy firm economic sanctions to protect its citizens abroad.
The Senator’s call coincided with a formal condemnation by the House of Representatives, which urged the Federal Government to implement immediate diplomatic interventions and protective safeguards for Nigerians caught in the latest wave of attacks.
“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,” he said.
He proposed that MTN’s operating licence in Nigeria be withdrawn, claiming that the company remits significant revenue out of the country while Nigerians face hostility abroad.
“This Senate should adopt a position that MTN, a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day, Nigeria should nationalise it and withdraw its licence,” he said.
Oshiomhole also called for similar action against DSTV, alleging economic exploitation and unfair practices.
“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 argued that such steps would open space for local businesses and strengthen Nigeria’s economic independence, while also serving as a diplomatic signal over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.
“These Nigerians who are in South Africa, they are not there on holiday. They are there to work and to earn,” he added.
Another lawmaker, Sen. Victor Umeh representing Anambra Central, also expressed concern over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, 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.
Umeh called on the African Union to intervene and consider sanctions, stressing that Nigeria cannot continue to tolerate repeated attacks on its citizens.
“The AU, of which South Africa is a member, should rise now and impose necessary sanctions,” he said.
The developments reflect growing pressure on the Federal Government to adopt stronger diplomatic and economic responses amid recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, with lawmakers pushing for both protection of Nigerians abroad and reciprocal measures at home.
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