BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called for the revocation of operating licences of South African firms in Nigeria, including MTN Nigeria and MultiChoice, over renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, the Edo North lawmaker urged Nigeria to adopt a tougher stance, insisting that continued violence against Nigerians abroad demands decisive economic retaliation. He framed the issue as one of reciprocity in international relations, arguing that Nigeria must move beyond sympathy and take concrete action.
“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. It is appropriate in diplomacy. It’s an economic struggle,” Oshiomhole declared.
The former Edo governor proposed that Nigeria should consider nationalising MTN and withdrawing its licence, citing the company’s significant revenue outflows. According to him, such a move would serve as a deterrent while opening space for indigenous businesses to grow.
He extended the call to DStv, operated by MultiChoice, urging the Federal Government to revoke its licence over what he described as exploitative practices and capital flight.
The National Assembly, meanwhile, condemned the latest wave of xenophobic attacks, urging the Federal Government to take urgent diplomatic and protective measures to safeguard Nigerians living abroad.
Contributing to a motion sponsored by Osita Izunaso and presented by Aniekan Bassey, lawmakers expressed deep concern over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, calling for coordinated national and international responses.
Senator Victor Umeh described the situation as alarming, noting that many Nigerians now live in fear. He urged the African Union to intervene and impose sanctions, stressing that Nigeria’s historical support for the anti-apartheid struggle should not be repaid with hostility.
Also weighing in, Senator Abdul Ningi warned that Nigeria has options if the attacks persist, cautioning that the country could escalate its response across Africa if necessary.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio condemned the violence as “barbaric and unacceptable,” announcing plans to send a joint parliamentary delegation to engage South African lawmakers in a bid to ease tensions and seek lasting solutions.
The growing outcry reflects mounting pressure on the Federal Government to act decisively, as repeated xenophobic incidents continue to strain diplomatic ties and fuel calls for both economic countermeasures and stronger protections for Nigerians abroad.
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