Oshiomhole urges FG to revoke MTN licence over xenophobic attacks

Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has called on the Federal Government to take decisive economic measures against South African companies operating in Nigeria following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. Raising the issue during plenary on Tuesday, Oshiomhole urged authorities to move beyond diplomatic protests and adopt a policy of reciprocity. He […]

Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has called on the Federal Government to take decisive economic measures against South African companies operating in Nigeria following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
Raising the issue during plenary on Tuesday, Oshiomhole urged authorities to move beyond diplomatic protests and adopt a policy of reciprocity.
He specifically advocated the revocation of MTN Nigeria licence, suggesting Nigerian investors could fill the resulting gap.
“I don’t want this Senate to be shedding tears… If you hit me, I’ll hit you. It’s an economic struggle,” he said, arguing that strong action would compel South African authorities to take the safety of Nigerians more seriously.
Oshiomhole maintained that Nigerians in South Africa are productive contributors to the economy, not dependents. He warned that continued tolerance of attacks sends the wrong signal and undermines Nigeria’s ability to protect its citizens and national interests.
In a six-point resolution, the Senate urged the Federal Government to immediately initiate high-level diplomatic engagement with South Africa and Ghana to safeguard Nigerians abroad and secure enforceable guarantees against future attacks.
The chamber also called for a full, transparent, and independent investigation into all reported incidents, stressing that perpetrators and their sponsors must be identified, arrested, prosecuted, and punished in accordance with the law.

Reps urge review of Nigeria–South Africa agreements
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to review all bilateral agreements with South Africa and temporarily suspend the issuance of business permits to new South African companies operating in Nigeria, following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.
The resolution was adopted during Tuesday’s plenary after a motion moved by Donald Ojogo.
Lawmakers expressed concern over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa and urged stronger measures to protect citizens and national interests.
As part of the resolution, the House mandated its committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, as well as Cooperation and Integration in Africa, to engage with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria.
The committees are to facilitate the establishment of a 24-hour emergency response desk and a legal aid fund to support Nigerians facing distress in South Africa.