Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, senator representing the Edo North Senatorial District, has demanded the revocation of the licences of South African companies operating in Nigeria, including DSTV and MTN, following renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
The move comes as the House of Representatives on Tuesday criticised the latest wave of attacks, calling on the federal government to take immediate diplomatic and protective measures.
During the plenary session, the lawmaker stated that Nigeria should take decisive action to protect its citizens, citing the principle of reciprocity in international relations.
“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,” Oshiomhole said.
“If you hit me, I’ll hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It’s an economic struggle.”
The lawmaker proposed that Nigeria should nationalise MTN and revoke its operating licence, contending that the firm remits significant revenue out of the country while Nigerians face mistreatment abroad.
“This Senate should adopt a position on MTN, a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day. That Nigeria nationalises it and withdraws its licence,” he stated.
The senator disclosed that such a move would create opportunities for local companies and serve as a strong response to what he described as economic and social targeting of Nigerians in South Africa.
Oshiomhole also called for the revocation of DSTV’s licence, claiming unfair practices and economic exploitation, and advised Nigerians to take over roles currently occupied by foreign companies.
“I call on the Federal Government to revoke DSTV, which is also a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars," the lawmaker said.
He attributed the current tensions to broader political dynamics in South Africa, stating that anti-immigrant sentiments had featured in the country’s domestic politics and were influencing attitudes toward foreign nationals, including Nigerians, and maintained that such steps would strengthen Nigeria’s bargaining position.
Additionally, he maintained that the Nigerian community in South Africa was economically productive and not relying 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 recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated,” he stated.
Also, Senator Victor Umeh, a lawmaker representing Anambra Central, raised concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, citing the situation as alarming.
“It is worrisome… they are hiding for their lives; they can’t move freely. This is a situation where people are playing good with evil,” he said, referencing Nigeria’s historical support for the anti-apartheid struggle.
The senator urged the African Union to step in and apply sanctions, cautioning that Nigeria could no longer tolerate attacks on its citizens.
“The AU, of which South Africa is a member, should rise now and impose necessary sanctions,” he said, adding that “we cannot allow this to continue,” Umeh said.
The move reflects growing pressure on the federal government to adopt a tougher stance amid persistent xenophobic violence in South Africa, with legislators advocating for both diplomatic engagement and economic sanctions to safeguard Nigerians overseas.