Xenophobic attack: Oshiomhole urges revocation of MTN, DSTV licenses

The Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has urged the Federal Government to revoke the licences of South African companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN and DStv. 

His call follows renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

Lawmakers raised concerns over the safety of Nigerians abroad during plenary on Tuesday. 

The House of Representatives also condemned the attacks and asked the Federal Government to take diplomatic and protective steps.

Oshiomhole led the call for action, while Senator Victor Umeh of Anambra Central also spoke on the issue.

The discussion took place during a recent Senate plenary in Nigeria, in response to ongoing attacks in South Africa.

Lawmakers say Nigeria must respond to protect its citizens and address what they see as hostility toward Nigerians living and working in South Africa.

Speaking during plenary, Oshiomhole said Nigeria should act based on reciprocity in international relations.

“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.”

He suggested nationalising MTN and withdrawing its licence, arguing that the company sends large revenues out of Nigeria.

“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.

Oshiomhole added that such action could create opportunities for local businesses and serve as a response to the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa. He also called for action against DStv.

“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.

He linked the situation to political developments in South Africa, noting that anti-immigrant sentiment has influenced public attitudes. He also stressed that Nigerians in South Africa are there to work and contribute economically.

“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.

Senator Umeh described the situation as serious, saying Nigerians in South Africa are living in fear.

“It is worrisome… they are hiding for their lives, they can’t move freely. This is a situation where people are paying good with evil,” he said.

He called on the African Union to step in and impose sanctions.

“The AU, of which South Africa is a member, should raise now and impose necessary sanctions,” he said, adding that “we cannot allow this to continue,” he said.

The development shows growing pressure on the Federal Government to take stronger action. Lawmakers are pushing for both diplomatic engagement and economic measures to address the attacks and protect Nigerians abroad.