Uche Amunike
Lifeandtimes News Writer
Following the renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, Senator Representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has called for the revocation of licenses of South African companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN and DSTV.
He made this call, Tuesday, during plenary of the House of Representatives, where the latest wave of xenophobic attack was condemned by the lawmakers. They urged the Federal Government to take immediate diplomatic and protective measures.
Speaking during plenary, Adams Oshiomhole stated that Nigeria must respond firmly to protect its citizens, even as he cited the principle of reciprocity in international relations.
Adams Oshiomhole stated: ‘I don’t want this Senate to be shedding tears, to sympathize with those who have died. We didn’t come here to share tears. If you hit me, I will hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It is an economic struggle.’
Adams Oshiomhole made a proposition that Nigeria should nationalize MTN and withdraw its operating license, arguing that the company remits significant revenue out of the country while Nigerians face hostility abroad. He maintained that the Senate should adopt a position that MTN, a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day should be nationalized and its License withdrawn.
According to him, it is a move that would create opportunities for local firms and serve as a strong response to what it described as economic and social targeting of Nigerians in South Africa.
He further called for the revocation of DSTV’s license, alleging unfair practices, and economic exploitation while urging Nigerians to take over roles occupied by foreign companies.
His words: ‘I call on the federal government to revoke DSTV, which is also a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars.’
Linking the current tensions to broader political dynamics in South Africa, Adams Oshiomhole noted that anti-immigrant sentiments had featured in the country’s domestic politics and were influencing attitudes towards foreign nationals, including Nigerians and maintained that such steps would strengthen Nigeria’s bargaining position.
He also argued that Nigerians living in South Africa were 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. When we hit back, the President of South Africa will go on his knees to recognize that Nigerians cannot be intimidated.’
Another lawmaker, Senator Victor Umeh representing Anambra Central, also raised concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, describing the situation as alarming. While referencing Nigeria’s historical support for the anti-apartheid struggle, he described the situation as worrisome, as Nigerians cannot move freely in South Africa while hiding for their lives. He noted that it is a situation where people are paying good with evil.
He called on the African Union to intervene and impose sanctions, warning that Nigeria would not continue to tolerate attacks on its citizens.
His words: ‘The AU of which South Africa is a member should rise now and impose necessary sanctions. We cannot allow this to continue.’
The development reflects growing pressure on the Federal Government to adopt a stronger position amid recurring and xenophobic violence in South Africa, with lawmakers, pushing for both diplomatic engagement and economic counter-measures to safeguard Nigerians abroad.
