Abuja, Nigeria — Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on the Nigerian government to withdraw the operating licences of MTN and DStv, and to nationalise MTN, in response to renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
Speaking Tuesday during plenary at the Nigerian Senate, the Edo North lawmaker argued that Nigeria must adopt a firm economic response.
“I don’t want this Senate to be shedding tears… If you hit me, I’ll hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It’s an economic struggle,” Oshiomhole said.
He further alleged that MTN “is cutting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day” while Nigerians face hostility abroad.
“This Senate should adopt a position that MTN… Nigeria should nationalise it and withdraw its licence,” he stated.
Oshiomhole also urged the Federal Government to revoke the licence of DStv, arguing that such measures would create opportunities for local companies and pressure South African authorities to act.
“When we hit back, the president of South Africa will go on his knees to recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated,” he added.
Supporting the call for tougher action, Senator Victor Umeh described the situation as “worrisome,” noting that Nigerians in South Africa are “hiding for their lives.”
Umeh further called for intervention by the African Union, urging sanctions to address the situation.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Nigeria separately condemned the attacks, calling on the Federal Government to take immediate diplomatic and protective measures.
The developments come amid mounting pressure on Abuja to respond decisively to recurring xenophobic violence targeting Nigerians in South Africa, with calls growing for both diplomatic engagement and economic retaliation.