Oshiomhole Demands Crackdown on MTN, DStv as Senate Pushes Retaliation Over Xenophobic Attacks

Tensions between Nigeria and South Africa escalated in the Senate on Tuesday as lawmakers reacted strongly to renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians, with Senator Adams Oshiomhole calling for sweeping economic retaliation.

Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North, urged the Federal Government to revoke operating licences of major South African companies in Nigeria, including telecom giant MTN Nigeria and pay-TV operator MultiChoice, owners of DStv.

The debate took place during plenary at the National Assembly, where senators condemned the violence and called for urgent diplomatic intervention to protect Nigerians living abroad.

Speaking on the floor, Oshiomhole argued that Nigeria must respond using what he described as the principle of reciprocity in international relations, insisting that economic pressure should form part of the country’s response.

“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 went further to propose that MTN should face stronger action, including possible nationalisation and withdrawal of its licence, accusing the company of moving large sums of money out of Nigeria while citizens face hostility abroad.

“This Senate should adopt a position that MTN, a South African company that is taking away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day, should have Nigeria nationalise it and withdraw its licence,” he added.

Oshiomhole also called for sanctions against MultiChoice, arguing that the company’s operations in Nigeria should be reviewed in light of ongoing attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

“I call on the Federal Government to revoke DStv, which is also a South African company that is taking away millions of dollars,” he said.

Other senators also weighed in on the motion, which was sponsored by Osita Izunaso and presented by Aniekan Bassey, titled “A call for urgent national diplomatic and humanitarian action to defend the dignity, safety and honour of Nigerian citizens.”

Senator Victor Umeh described the situation as deeply troubling, saying Nigerians in South Africa are living in fear and unable to move freely.

“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.

Senator Abdul Ningi warned that Nigeria may be forced to adopt stronger measures if the attacks continue, stressing that the killings must not go unanswered.

“If a crime has been committed under South African law, they have the right to prosecute, but to kill our people as if we are helpless, we will not allow that,” he said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio condemned the violence as unacceptable, describing it as barbaric and confirming that a joint parliamentary delegation may be sent to engage South African authorities.

“This is not acceptable. This is cruel and strange behaviour, and we are not seeing sufficient action from the South African government,” Akpabio said.

The Senate debate reflects growing pressure on Nigeria’s leadership to respond firmly, as repeated xenophobic attacks continue to strain diplomatic relations between both countries.