ABUJA, Nigeria — Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on the Federal Government to appropriate the profits of South African companies operating in Nigeria and use the proceeds to compensate Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, made the call during Tuesday’s Senate plenary in response to comments by South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who ruled out government compensation for affected Nigerians. The minister argued that only legally registered properties qualified for compensation, while informal settlements did not meet this requirement.
“Following comments by the South African minister to the effect that compensation will not be paid to those Nigerians whose properties were looted, shops bombed, and even lives lost, the government of Nigeria should reciprocate by appropriating the profits accrued from South African shares in all South African companies in Nigeria, including their banks, so that the money realised can be used to compensate Nigerians,” Oshiomhole said.
The lawmaker noted that the deadline given to Nigerians to leave South Africa had been fixed by a mob, yet the South African government had gone along with it. He argued that Nigeria should not use taxpayers’ money to compensate victims while South African businesses continue to operate profitably in the country.
“I urge that the profits be appropriated and used to settle those whose businesses have been destroyed, whose shops have been bombed, and whose loved ones have lost their lives. This does not require any further investigation because the facts are self-evident,” he stated.
South African firms, including MTN and several banks, have significant commercial interests in Nigeria, making the country one of their largest markets on the continent.
Responding, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin condemned the attacks on Nigerians but urged caution pending the outcome of an ongoing Senate committee investigation. He cautioned against relying solely on reports circulating on social media and appealed to Oshiomhole to allow the committee to complete its assignment before any further action is considered.
“Before we continue with what is going on in South Africa, the way those gangs or protesters, or whatever you want to call them, are going about doing what they are doing is not in line with civility. It’s uncivilised,” Jibrin said. He noted that the South African minister had stated that people occupying land illegally would not be compensated, while those with legal property titles would retain ownership.
While the Senate declined to adopt the recommendation to seize South African profits, lawmakers resolved to intensify diplomatic efforts, urging the Federal Government to obtain written assurances from the South African government on the safety of Nigerians living in the country. The Senate also called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals.
