Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has called on the Federal Government to take sweeping economic measures against South African businesses operating in Nigeria, following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
Raising the issue during plenary, the former Edo State governor urged authorities to move beyond diplomatic protests and adopt what he described as a policy of reciprocity, including drastic economic actions targeting major South African firms.
Oshiomhole specifically advocated for the revocation of operational licences of MTN Nigeria and DStv, arguing that such steps would send a strong signal about Nigeria’s resolve to protect its citizens and economic interests.
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“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. It is appropriate in diplomacy. It’s an economic struggle.”
He further proposed that Nigeria should consider nationalising MTN Nigeria and withdrawing its licence, describing the company as one that repatriates substantial revenue from the country.
“MTN is cutting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day. Nigeria should nationalise it and withdraw its licence. I also call on the Federal Government to revoke DStv,” he added.
The senator argued that Nigerians residing in South Africa are economically active contributors rather than dependents, insisting that decisive retaliation would compel South African authorities to act.
“These Nigerians are not there on holiday. They are there to work and earn. When we hit back, the president of South Africa will recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated,” he said.
Oshiomhole warned that continued tolerance in the face of repeated violence sends the wrong signal, stressing that Nigeria must demonstrate the capacity to defend its citizens abroad.
He also linked the resurgence of xenophobic violence to internal political tensions in South Africa, noting that anti-immigrant rhetoric has increasingly shaped public attitudes toward foreigners.
The intervention comes amid growing concern within Nigeria’s National Assembly. Members of the House of Representatives have also condemned the attacks, calling for stronger diplomatic engagement and concrete protective measures for Nigerians abroad.
Also contributing, Senator Victor Umeh described the situation as alarming, stating that many Nigerians in South Africa now live in constant fear and face restrictions on their movement.
He called on the African Union to intervene, including the possibility of sanctions if the attacks persist, stressing that the pattern of violence should no longer be treated as isolated incidents.
The renewed calls for action highlight mounting pressure on the Federal Government to balance diplomacy with firm economic and political responses as concerns grow over the safety of Nigerians living abroad.