Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Urges FG to Retaliate Against South African Companies In Nigeria

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has called on the Federal Government to take retaliatory measures against South African companies operating in Nigeria following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

Oshiomhole made the call during plenary while contributing to a motion sponsored by Osita Izunaso, who represents Imo West.

The motion, titled “A Call for Urgent National Diplomatic and Humanitarian Action to Defend the Dignity, Safety, and Honour of Nigerian Citizens,” was read on the floor by Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East, under Sections 41 and 42 of the Senate rules.

Speaking during the debate, Oshiomhole urged the government to consider revoking the operating licences of South African-owned firms such as MTN Nigeria and MultiChoice, operators of DStv.

He insisted that Nigeria must respond decisively to what he described as persistent hostility against its citizens abroad.

“I don’t want this Senate to shed tears in sympathy for those who have died. We didn’t come here to shed tears,” Oshiomhole said.

“I am not going to shed tears. If you hit me, I hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It is an economic struggle,” he added.

The lawmaker argued that while some South Africans accuse Nigerians of taking their jobs, Nigerians should instead return home and take advantage of employment opportunities created by foreign companies operating in Nigeria.

“When we hit back, the President of South Africa will not only talk but will also go on his knees to recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated, and we will not condone the loss of even one life,” he said.

Oshiomhole, however, acknowledged that crimes should be handled within the framework of the law but condemned extrajudicial actions.

“If a crime has been committed under South African law, they have the right to bring such a person to justice, but to kill our people as if we are helpless—we will not allow that,” he added.

The motion followed reports that several Nigerians in South Africa have been attacked and their businesses destroyed in ongoing xenophobic violence.

Despite the strong position taken by Oshiomhole, his call for retaliatory action was not seconded, and the Senate did not adopt it.