Senator Adams Oshiomole has called on the federal government to revoke the operating licences of South African-owned companies like MTN and DSTV and to evacuate Nigerians facing xenophobic attacks in South Africa, urging them to return home and take over the jobs currently held by foreign-owned firms. He made the statement during Senate plenary on Tuesday, reacting to a surge in violent attacks against Nigerians and other black African nationals in South Africa. The attacks, which have continued for weeks, have been driven by false claims that foreign nationals are illegally occupying the country, stealing jobs, and engaging in criminal activities such as drug trafficking.
The federal government has already begun preparations to evacuate Nigerians willing to return home from South Africa. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed that 130 individuals have registered for the evacuation exercise, with the number expected to grow. She conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s deep concern over the xenophobic violence, condemning the attacks and the inflammatory rhetoric that has fueled them. The president’s office emphasized that Nigeria does not tolerate the loss of its citizens to such senseless violence.
In a strong and emotional address, Senator Oshiomole said, “We call on the federal government to revoke the DSTV licence, which is also a South African company that is carting away millions of dollars, and even resorting to practices that’ll not be accepted in South Africa. I don’t want this Senate to be shedding tears to sympathise with those who have died, we didn’t come here to shed tears. If you hit me, I’ll hit you. I think it’s appropriate in diplomacy.” He stressed that Nigeria must respond with economic retaliation, not just words.
The senator, a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, framed the issue as an economic struggle. He argued that if South Africans claim Nigerians are taking their jobs, then Nigerians should return home and take over the positions in companies like MTN and DSTV. “When we hit back, the South African president will not only talk; he will go on his knees to recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated,” he declared. He emphasized that while South Africa has the right to prosecute individuals who break its laws, it has no right to kill Nigerian citizens.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks, urging foreigners to respect local laws. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s federal government has summoned South Africa’s acting high commissioner to discuss the matter. The diplomatic tension underscores the growing concern over the safety of Nigerian nationals abroad and the need for a strong, coordinated response. As the evacuation process continues, Nigeria remains vigilant and prepared to defend its citizens’ rights and dignity on the global stage.
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