Senator Adams Oshiomhole has defended his call for stronger economic action against South African companies operating in Nigeria following renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, the lawmaker said Nigerian lives should take priority over foreign investment and economic interests.
Oshiomhole Calls for Tougher Measures
The senator representing Edo North said Nigeria should consider taking control of companies linked to South Africa, including MTN Group, in response to repeated attacks on Nigerians abroad.
According to him, Nigerians should not continue to suffer attacks while foreign businesses continue operating freely in the country.
He said although MTN has Nigerian shareholders, South African ownership interests could be removed if necessary.
Oshiomhole also suggested that affected firms could later be reprivatised under Nigerian ownership so profits remain within the country.
Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa Raise Tensions
The debate follows fresh xenophobic attacks in South Africa, particularly in parts of Durban, Cape Town, East London and KwaZulu-Natal.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently condemned the violence, describing those responsible as opportunists exploiting social and economic frustrations.
Ramaphosa stressed that violence against foreign nationals would not be tolerated and warned against unlawful actions carried out in the name of community activism.
Despite the condemnation, Oshiomhole argued that repeated attacks on Nigerians have continued without proper accountability.
“Human Lives Matter More”
Oshiomhole insisted that protecting Nigerians should come before concerns about foreign investors or economic losses.
According to him, no amount of investment is worth the loss of Nigerian lives.
He questioned whether foreign exchange inflows should be valued above the safety and dignity of citizens living abroad.
The former Edo State governor also claimed previous diplomatic agreements between Nigeria and South Africa failed to stop attacks on Nigerians.
Nigerian Government Monitoring Situation
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, stay alert and avoid confrontation.
The commission also confirmed that the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg is working with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
Meanwhile, diplomatic discussions between both countries are ongoing as tensions over xenophobic attacks in South Africa continue to grow.
