Xenophobia: Oshiomhole Demands Revocation of MTN, DSTV Licences

The senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has called for decisive economic retaliation against South African interests in Nigeria, including the withdrawal of operating licences of major companies such as MTN and DSTV, following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

The lawmaker made the call during plenary in the Senate on Tuesday, where lawmakers also condemned the latest wave of violence and urged the Federal Government to strengthen diplomatic and protective measures for Nigerians abroad.

Oshiomhole argued that Nigeria must adopt a reciprocal approach in dealing with what he described as persistent hostility against its citizens. According to him, “If you hit me, I’ll hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It’s an economic struggle.”

He specifically targeted MTN Group, describing it as a South African-owned firm benefiting significantly from Nigeria’s economy. He proposed that the company’s licence be withdrawn and its operations nationalised.

“This Senate should adopt a position that MTN, a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day, should be nationalised and its licence withdrawn,” he said.

The former labour leader also called for the revocation of DSTV’s licence, referring to the pay-TV operator MultiChoice Group, alleging economic exploitation and capital outflows from Nigeria.

“I call on the Federal Government to revoke DSTV, which is also a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars,” Oshiomhole added.

He maintained that Nigerians living in South Africa were economically active and contributing to that country’s economy, insisting they should not be subjected to violence or discrimination.

“These Nigerians are not there on holiday. They are there to work and earn. When we hit back, they will understand that Nigerians cannot be intimidated,” he said.

In a related contribution, Senator Victor Umeh representing Anambra Central described the situation facing Nigerians in South Africa as alarming, saying many were living in fear and unable to move freely.

“It is worrisome… they are hiding for their lives, they can’t move freely,” he said, recalling Nigeria’s historic support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.

Umeh called for urgent intervention by the African Union, urging the continental body to impose sanctions on South Africa over repeated attacks on foreign nationals.

“The AU should rise now and impose necessary sanctions. We cannot allow this to continue,” he said.

The Senate debate reflects growing concern among lawmakers over recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa and increasing pressure on the Federal Government to adopt stronger diplomatic and economic responses to protect Nigerian citizens abroad.