The senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has advocated for the revocation of operating licences granted to South African companies in Nigeria, including MTN Group and DStv.
His position follows a resurgence of xenophobic violence targeting Nigerians in South Africa.
This development comes amid strong condemnation from Nigeria’s House of Representatives, which denounced the recent attacks and called on the Federal Government to respond promptly through diplomatic channels while ensuring the protection of Nigerian citizens.
Addressing fellow lawmakers during plenary, Oshiomhole stressed the need for firm action, stating that Nigeria must take decisive steps to defend its people, drawing on the principle of reciprocity in global 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.”
The lawmaker further suggested that Nigeria should consider nationalising MTN and withdrawing its licence, asserting that the company earns significant revenue locally while Nigerians continue to face threats abroad.
“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.
In addition, Oshiomhole pushed for similar action against DStv, accusing the firm of exploitative practices and calling for increased involvement of indigenous companies within the industry.
“I call on the Federal Government to revoke DSTV, which is also a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars,” he added.
