Oshiomhole Calls for Economic Retaliation Against South African Firms Over Xenophobic Attacks
Senator representing Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole has urged the Federal Government to adopt economic retaliatory measures against South African companies operating in Nigeria in response to renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, the former Edo State governor said Nigeria must move beyond issuing diplomatic protests and respond with a policy of reciprocity.
“I don’t want this Senate to be shedding tears or sympathising with those who have died. We didn’t come here to share tears,” Oshiomhole stated.
“If you hit me, I’ll hit you. That is appropriate in diplomacy. It’s an economic struggle,” he added.
The lawmaker specifically called for the nationalisation of MTN Nigeria and the revocation of DStv’s operating licence, describing both as South African companies “cutting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day.” He also encouraged Nigerian investors to step in and fill the gap.
Oshiomhole argued that Nigerians in South Africa contribute economically and are not a burden on the host country. “These Nigerians are there to work and to earn, not on holiday,” he said. “When we hit back, the President of South Africa will go on his knees to recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated.”
He warned that continued silence in the face of repeated violence sends the wrong signal and said decisive action would show Nigeria’s resolve to protect its citizens and interests.
The senator linked the latest wave of attacks to rising anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa, driven by domestic political tensions.
The intervention came on the same day the House of Representatives condemned the attacks and urged the Federal Government to strengthen diplomatic engagement and implement measures to protect Nigerians abroad.
Also speaking, Senator Victor Umeh described the situation as “dire,” noting that many Nigerians in South Africa now live in fear and cannot move freely. He called on the African Union to intervene, including imposing sanctions if the violence persists, and stressed that the attacks should no longer be treated as isolated incidents.
