Former governor of Edo State and lawmaker representing Edo North at the national assembly, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has called for the immediate revocation of licences of South African companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN and MultiChoice–owners of DSTV, following renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
This is coming as the National Assembly condemned the latest wave of attacks, urging the Federal Government to take diplomatic and protective measures to safeguard Nigerian citizens abroad.
While speaking during plenary, Oshiomhole said Nigeria must respond firmly, invoking the principle of reciprocity in international relations.
He said: “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. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It’s an economic struggle.”
He proposed that Nigeria should nationalise MTN and withdraw its operating licence, arguing that the company repatriates significant revenue while Nigerians face hostility in South Africa.
“This Senate should adopt a position that MTN, a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day, should have Nigeria nationalise it and withdraw its licence,” he said.
According to him, such action would not only serve as a deterrent but also create opportunities for indigenous firms, amid what he described as economic and social targeting of Nigerians abroad.
He extended the call to MultiChoice, urging the Federal Government to revoke DSTV’s licence over alleged exploitative practices.
“I call on the Federal Government to revoke DSTV, which is also a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars,” he said.
Oshiomhole linked the recurring tensions to domestic political dynamics in South Africa, noting that anti-immigrant rhetoric had become a feature of its politics and was shaping public attitudes toward foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
“When we hit back, the president of South Africa will go on his knees to recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated,” he said.
Meanwhile, he made the remarks while contributing to a motion sponsored by Osita Izunaso, which was read on the floor by Aniekan Bassey under Senate rules on matters of urgent public importance.
Titled “A call for urgent national diplomatic and humanitarian action to defend the dignity, safety and honour of Nigerian citizens,” the motion highlighted growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa.
