Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has urged the Federal Government to take sweeping economic action against South African businesses operating in Nigeria.
This followed the recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
To this end, the former Governor of Edo State advocated for the revocation of the licenses of MTN Nigeria and DStv, especially calling on Nigerians investors to fill the void.
Raising the issue during plenary on Tuesday, Oshiomhole argued that Nigeria must move beyond diplomatic protests and adopt a policy rooted in reciprocity.
“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.
“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.
“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.
The lawmaker further argued that Nigerians living in South Africa were economically productive and not dependent on the host country.
“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 said.
He said continued tolerance in the face of repeated violence against Nigerians abroad sends the wrong signal.
According to him, decisive economic retaliation would demonstrate Nigeria’s capacity to defend its citizens and interests.
Oshiomhole linked the resurgence of xenophobic violence to domestic political tensions in South Africa.
He noted that anti-immigrant rhetoric has increasingly shaped public attitudes toward foreigners, including Nigerians.
The intervention came as the House of Representatives condemned the latest attacks, warning that the safety of Nigerians abroad must not be compromised.
Lawmakers urged the Federal Government to step up diplomatic engagement and implement protective measures.
Also contributing, Victor Umeh described the situation as dire, saying many Nigerians in South Africa now live in constant fear and are unable to move freely.
He called on the African Union to intervene, including the possibility of sanctions if the attacks persist.
Umeh stressed that the pattern of violence should no longer be treated as isolated incidents.