Senator Adams Oshiomhole has urged the Nigerian Senate to consider withdrawing operating licences of MTN Nigeria and MultiChoice as a retaliatory response to renewed attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
The Edo North lawmaker raised the matter on Tuesday during plenary at the National Assembly, citing recent reports of violence targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in South Africa.
He argued that Nigeria should respond through structured economic measures rather than diplomatic statements alone.
Oshiomhole maintained that firms with strong South African links operating in Nigeria should face consequences if Nigerians continue to be attacked abroad, insisting that such actions would send a strong message.
“I am not going to shed tears. If you hit me, I hit you. I think it is appropriate in democracy. It is an economic struggle,” he said on the floor of the Senate.
He also called for Nigerians employed by the affected companies to reconsider their positions and contribute more directly to domestic industries, arguing that Nigeria must prioritise its citizens and not ignore repeated incidents of violence.
“It is time to reciprocate. This Senate should adopt a position that MTN, a South African company, carting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day, be nationalised. Its license withdrawn and taken over by a Nigerian company,” Oshiomhole added.
His comments come amid reports that some Nigerians living in South Africa have begun returning home following the latest wave of attacks.
Nigerian authorities are also said to be engaging South African officials in diplomatic discussions aimed at addressing the situation.
Meanwhile, the Senate has yet to take a formal decision on the proposal, with lawmakers still reviewing possible policy and diplomatic responses to the growing tensions.
