Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called for the revocation of licences held by South African firms MTN roup and MultiChoice, operators of DStv, following renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, the Edo North lawmaker urged Nigeria to adopt firm retaliatory measures, including nationalising MTN and withdrawing its operating licence. He argued that the company repatriates significant revenue while Nigerians face hostility abroad.
“I don’t want this Senate to be shedding tears,” Oshiomhole said. “If you hit me, I’ll hit you. It is an economic struggle.”
The Senate’s position comes amid widespread condemnation of the latest attacks, with lawmakers urging the Federal Government to take urgent diplomatic and protective steps to safeguard Nigerian citizens.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Victor Umeh described the situation as alarming, noting that Nigerians in South Africa were living in fear and unable to move freely. He called on the African Union to intervene and impose sanctions.
Similarly, Senator Abdul Ningi warned that Nigeria could escalate its response if attacks persist, stressing that the country has “options” to protect its citizens.
Presiding over the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio condemned the violence, describing it as “barbaric” and “unacceptable”. He disclosed that the National Assembly would send a joint delegation to engage with South Africa’s parliament.
The motion prompting the debate, sponsored by Senator Osita Izunaso, highlighted growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians and called for urgent diplomatic and humanitarian action.
Oshiomhole linked the recurring tensions to domestic political dynamics in South Africa, where anti-immigrant rhetoric has increasingly shaped public attitudes. He maintained that economic retaliation would serve as both a deterrent and an opportunity to strengthen indigenous Nigerian firms.
The development, reported by national media, reflects mounting pressure on the Federal Government to adopt a tougher stance as repeated xenophobic incidents continue to strain relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
