Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s call for a tougher response to repeated xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa has reignited debate over Nigeria’s diplomatic approach to protecting its citizens abroad.
According to The Punch, Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North in the Senate, argued that Nigeria should adopt stronger measures against South Africa following years of attacks that have claimed the lives of Nigerians and destroyed businesses.
Speaking during a Senate debate on xenophobic attacks, the former Edo State governor said Nigeria should move beyond expressions of sympathy and instead impose consequences that would compel South African authorities to act.
“I don’t want this Senate to be shedding tears or sympathising with those who have died. We didn’t come here to shed tears. If you hit me, I’ll hit you. That’s appropriate in diplomacy. It’s an economic struggle,” he said.
Oshiomhole proposed revoking the operating licences of major South African companies in Nigeria, including telecommunications giant MTN and pay television provider MultiChoice, arguing that economic pressure would force South Africa to better protect foreign nationals.
“By the time we withdraw MTN’s licence, revoke DStv licence… when we balance this madness, there will be sanity,” he added.
The remarks came against the backdrop of repeated xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, including recent incidents in which two Nigerians, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro, reportedly lost their lives.
While some lawmakers supported a firmer stance, the Senate stopped short of endorsing Oshiomhole’s proposal to sanction South African businesses.
Instead, the upper chamber resolved to send a high-level delegation to South Africa and renewed its demand for justice, compensation and accountability for attacks on Nigerians.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio reiterated the need for diplomacy while leaving open the possibility of stronger measures if the situation fails to improve.
The Federal Government has also intensified diplomatic engagement, with Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu summoning South Africa’s High Commissioner to demand thorough investigations into the recent killings and greater protection for Nigerians living in the country.
The opinion article argued that repeated diplomatic protests had failed to halt xenophobic violence and called for a foreign policy anchored on deterrence, while acknowledging that any economic retaliation against South Africa could have wider implications for trade, investment and bilateral relations.
