Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, has called for the revocation of operational licences of South African companies such as MTN and DSTV, following renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
He made the proposal on Tuesday, May 4, 2026, as the upper chamber resolved to constitute a joint ad hoc committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives to address the rising cases of xenophobic attacks against Nigerian nationals in South Africa.
Oshiomhole’s Strong Words
Speaking during plenary, Oshiomhole said Nigeria must respond firmly to protect its citizens. “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,” he said.
“If you hit me, I’ll hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It’s an economic struggle.”
Oshiomhole proposed that Nigeria should nationalise MTN and withdraw its operating licence, arguing that the company remits significant revenue out of the country while Nigerians face hostility abroad.
“This Senate should adopt a position that MTN, a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day. That Nigeria nationalise it and withdraw its licence,” he said.
According to him, such a move would create opportunities for local firms and serve as a strong response to what he described as economic and social targeting of Nigerians in South Africa.
The senator also called for the revocation of DSTV’s licence. “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.
“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 added.
Senate President’s Response
However, the suggestion was declined on procedural grounds. In his remarks, the Senate President underscored the importance of diplomatic engagement in resolving the crisis, noting that economic retaliation against businesses would not be the preferred course of action. He asserted that the Senate views the reported attacks as serious and will address the matter with the urgency it deserves.
Joint Committee and Next Steps
Meanwhile, the committee, to be led by the Chairman of the National Assembly, will undertake a fact-finding and diplomatic visit to South Africa aimed at finding lasting solutions to the crisis. The delegation is expected to visit the South African Parliament to formally express Nigeria’s strong displeasure over the reported attacks.
The Senate also plans to write to the Speaker of the South African Parliament, as well as invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs to brief lawmakers on the outcomes of their engagement.
During deliberations, lawmakers expressed deep concern over not only the physical attacks but also the growing climate of fear, psychological trauma, and dehumanization faced by Nigerians abroad. They noted that many Nigerians are increasingly being profiled and targeted solely based on their nationality.
The Senate subsequently observed a minute of silence in honour of Nigerians who have lost their lives in the attacks in South Africa.
