Xenophobia: Senate Rejects Nationalisation Of MTN, DStv

On Tuesday, the 10th Senate dismissed proposals urging the Federal Government to nationalise South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria, including MTN and DStv, as a response to the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

Addressing the development during plenary, the lawmakers resolved to intensify diplomatic engagement with the South African government while pressing for stronger protection of Nigerians living in the country.

The resolution followed deliberations on a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South), titled “Motion on the Need to Halt the Recurring Xenophobic Attacks and Intimidation Against Nigerians and Other African Nationals in the Republic of South Africa.”

The Senate urged the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, to obtain written assurances from the South African authorities on the safety and protection of Nigerians following the expiration of the June 30, 2026 ultimatum reportedly issued by vigilante groups against foreign nationals.

Lawmakers also called for the identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible for acts of violence, intimidation, looting and unlawful enforcement activities directed at foreign nationals.

In addition, the Senate requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to establish a verified register of Nigerians who have suffered death, injury, displacement, detention or loss of property as a basis for seeking legal redress, restitution and compensation.

The Upper Chamber of the National Assembly further urged the Federal Government to work with other affected African countries through the African Union to develop an effective continental early warning and accountability framework for xenophobic violence.

As part of its resolutions, the Senate directed its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora to review the implementation of earlier resolutions adopted on May 5, 2026, as well as previous Nigeria–South Africa engagements, and report back within two weeks on progress made and outstanding issues.

During the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed that if South Africa refuses to compensate affected Nigerians, Nigeria should consider appropriating profits generated by South African companies operating in the country to compensate victims.

He said: “My name is Adams Oshiomhole, representing the good people of Edo North. I rise to move an amendment to the motion.

“I was alarmed by comments attributed to a South African minister suggesting that compensation would not be paid to Nigerians whose properties were looted, shops burnt, businesses destroyed, and lives lost during the recent xenophobic attacks.

“If indeed the South African government refuses to compensate affected Nigerians, it is proposed that the federal government of Nigeria should consider appropriating the profits made by South African companies operating in Nigeria, including their banks and other businesses, and use those funds to compensate Nigerian victims.”

He added: “The ultimatum reportedly given to Nigerians to leave by June 30 was enforced by mobs while the South African government appeared unable to protect innocent people.

“We cannot allow Nigerians to suffer such losses and then use Nigerian taxpayers’ money to compensate them while South African businesses continue to make profits here.

“I therefore urge that the profits accruing to South African companies in Nigeria be appropriated and used to compensate Nigerians whose businesses were destroyed and whose loved ones were killed.”

Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin urged caution, stating that while the attacks were unacceptable, the Senate should await the outcome of investigations by its Committee on Foreign Affairs before adopting stronger measures.

He said: “Nobody in this chamber is happy with what is happening in South Africa.

“The actions of violent groups attacking innocent people are completely unacceptable. Killing people in the name of protests cannot and should not be tolerated.

“However, we also need to exercise caution. As Senator Oshiomhole rightly noted, we should not rely solely on statements circulating on social media without proper verification.

“I watched the interview being referred to. The South African minister explained that people occupying illegal settlements without legal title would not receive compensation because they had no legal ownership.

“However, those with valid property titles would retain their ownership rights, regardless of whether they had been displaced.

“That explanation, however, does not excuse the failure to prevent innocent people from being displaced in the first place. If the South African government is facing internal security challenges or coordinated attempts to destabilise the country, then it should come out openly and tell the international community.

“We are fellow Africans, and whilst stabilising is required, we can always cooperate.

“For now, I appeal that we allow the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by your distinguished colleague and former governor, to complete its investigation before we take further decisions. Let the committee do its work and submit its findings.”

Responding, Oshiomhole argued that the Senate had already mandated an investigation during an earlier debate and urged lawmakers to move beyond repeated deliberations.

He said: “Mr President, with profound respect, this matter was extensively debated about a month ago.

“Under your leadership, the Senate resolved that the Committee on Foreign Affairs should investigate the situation. You even suggested that a delegation be sent to South Africa.

“Respectfully, it should not appear that our previous decision must now await further opinion before action is taken. We should not continue to exercise caution until more Nigerians are killed.”

Following the exchange, Jibrin directed the committee to conclude its assignment within two weeks.

He said: “Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, you are hereby given two weeks to submit your report so that this Senate can take decisive action on the matter.

“Very well. The Committee on Foreign Affairs is directed to table its report within two weeks on the attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

“We need comprehensive information so that this Senate can determine the appropriate course of action.

“I thank Senator Oshiomhole for his understanding, and I commend all distinguished senators who contributed to this debate.

“Let me also state that the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, has been actively engaging the situation and providing support to affected Nigerians.

“The government is doing well. Your contribution simply calls for even greater attention to the situation, which is welcome. I can assure this chamber that Nigerian authorities remain in regular contact with our citizens in South Africa.

“We hope the South African government will also look inward and decisively address the activities of those carrying out these heinous attacks under the guise of protests. Justice must be done for Nigerians and other African nationals who have been killed, injured, or displaced.”

Presenting the motion, Senator Ekpenyong expressed concern over the resurgence of xenophobic attacks and intimidation against Nigerians and other African nationals, warning that the campaign had gone beyond immigration enforcement to become targeted hostility based on nationality.

He also recalled Nigeria’s historic role in supporting South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle and stressed that while every sovereign nation has the right to enforce its immigration laws, such enforcement must be carried out lawfully and with respect for human rights.