Nigerian Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called for strong economic retaliation against South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians, urging the Federal Government to revoke the operating licenses of major South African companies such as MTN Group and DStv.
Speaking during plenary at the National Assembly, Oshiomhole argued that Nigeria must move beyond sympathy and adopt decisive countermeasures. “If you hit me, I will hit you,” he said, describing the situation as an “economic struggle” that requires firm reciprocity in international relations.
The senator insisted that continued attacks on Nigerians in South Africa demand a response that directly impacts South Africa’s economic interests. He proposed that Nigeria should withdraw licenses from South African firms operating within its borders and even consider nationalising some of them. According to him, companies like MTN and DStv generate significant revenue from Nigeria while Nigerians face hostility abroad.
Oshiomhole further rejected claims often made in South Africa that Nigerians take local jobs, arguing that South African businesses also benefit heavily from Nigeria’s economy. He stated that if Nigerians are accused of taking jobs abroad, then Nigerians should equally take over the operations of foreign companies at home.
The call comes amid rising tensions following reports of violent attacks, killings, and intimidation of Nigerian nationals in parts of South Africa. Nigerian lawmakers have condemned the incidents, with the National Assembly describing them as unacceptable and calling for urgent diplomatic action.
However, despite Oshiomhole’s strong stance, the Senate leadership has leaned toward diplomatic engagement rather than economic retaliation. Lawmakers have instead agreed to set up a joint committee to engage South African authorities and seek lasting solutions to the crisis.
It is recalled that Nigerians have suffered more in South Africa since the beginning of this xenophobic protest, with several lives lost to mob violence fueled by anger over jobs and economic hardship. In different parts of the country, Nigerian nationals have been attacked, their businesses looted, and, in some tragic cases, killed by mobs who accuse foreign Africans of taking opportunities meant for locals.
Amid the violence, hundreds of Nigerians are now in hiding across the country, living in fear for their lives and urgently calling on the Nigerian government to repatriate them back home. These desperate pleas highlight the severity of the situation, as many have been displaced, left without protection, and cut off from their means of livelihood.
These incidents reflect a deeper crisis of unemployment and inequality, but the targeting of fellow Africans , particularly Nigerians, has drawn widespread condemnation across the continent. Families have been left grieving, communities shattered, and diplomatic tensions strained, as calls continue for stronger protection of foreign nationals and an immediate end to the cycle of violence.
