Oshiomhole demands MTN, DStv licence revocation over xenophobic attacks
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, has called on the Federal Government to revoke the operating licences of South African-owned companies in Nigeria, including MTN and DStv, following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
Oshiomhole made the call on Tuesday during plenary as lawmakers in the National Assembly debated the safety of Nigerians abroad and the country’s response to the recurring attacks.
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*Senator Adams Oshiomhole
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, has called on the Federal Government to revoke the operating licences of South African-owned companies in Nigeria, including MTN and DStv, following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
Oshiomhole made the call on Tuesday during plenary as lawmakers in the National Assembly debated the safety of Nigerians abroad and the country’s response to the recurring attacks.
The House of Representatives had earlier condemned the incidents and urged the Federal Government to take urgent diplomatic and protective measures to safeguard Nigerians living in South Africa.
Leading debate in the Senate, Oshiomhole said Nigeria must embrace a reciprocal approach in its international relations and move beyond expressions of sympathy.
“I do not want this Senate to merely shed tears or sympathise with those who have died. We were not elected to mourn alone,” he said.
Describing the crisis as both humanitarian and economic, the former Edo State governor argued that Nigeria should take decisive action by nationalising MTN and withdrawing its operating licence, accusing the telecommunications giant of repatriating vast profits from Nigeria.
“This Senate should adopt a firm position that MTN, a South African company making millions of dollars daily from Nigeria, should be nationalised and its licence withdrawn,” he stated.
He argued that such action would not only create room for indigenous businesses to thrive but also send a strong political message to South Africa.
Oshiomhole also called for similar measures against pay-TV provider DStv.
“I also urge the Federal Government to revoke the licence of DStv, another South African company taking millions of dollars out of this country,” he added.
According to him, Nigerians in South Africa are there to work, contribute to the economy and pursue legitimate livelihoods, not to face harassment or intimidation.
“When Nigeria responds firmly, South Africa’s leadership will understand that Nigerians cannot be treated with contempt,” he said.
Also contributing to the debate, Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, described the attacks as deeply troubling and said many Nigerians in South Africa were now living in fear.
“It is deeply disturbing. Many are in hiding for their lives and cannot move freely. This is a painful case of people repaying goodwill with hostility,” Umeh said.
He called on the African Union to intervene urgently and impose sanctions on South Africa, insisting that the repeated attacks must not be tolerated. The Senate debate underscores growing pressure on the Federal Government to adopt stronger diplomatic and economic measures in response to recurring xenophobic violence and to ensure the protection of Nigerians wherever they reside.
