Senate rejects calls to nationalise MTN, DStv over xenophobic attacks

The Senate on Tuesday rejected calls to nationalise South African-owned businesses, including MTN and DStv, in retaliation for the ongoing xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

 

Instead, the upper chamber condemned the renewed attacks and urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts to protect Nigerians living in the country and ensure those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.

 

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

 

The Senate noted that the latest wave of attacks followed the expiration of a June 30, 2026, ultimatum reportedly issued by vigilante groups directing foreign nationals to leave South Africa.

 

Lawmakers 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 government on the safety of Nigerians and demand the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for violence, intimidation, looting and unlawful immigration enforcement.

 

The Senate also called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to strengthen emergency consular services and establish a verified register of Nigerians who have suffered death, injury, displacement, unlawful detention or loss of businesses and property to facilitate legal redress, restitution and compensation.

 

It further urged the Federal Government to engage other affected African countries through the African Union to establish an effective early warning, monitoring and accountability mechanism against xenophobic attacks across the continent.

 

The Senate directed its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations to review the implementation of its May 5, 2026, resolutions on the matter and report back within two weeks on actions taken and outstanding issues.

 

During the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) proposed that if South Africa refuses to compensate Nigerians affected by the attacks, the Federal Government should appropriate the profits of South African companies operating in Nigeria to compensate the victims.

 

“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,” Oshiomhole said.

 

He argued that Nigerians should not bear the burden of compensating victims while South African businesses continued to operate profitably in Nigeria.

 

However, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, rejected the proposal, urging caution pending the outcome of the Senate committee’s investigation.

 

“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,” Barau said.

 

He explained that while concerns remained valid, the Senate should rely on verified facts and allow the Committee on Foreign Affairs to conclude its investigation before taking further action.

 

Following Oshiomhole’s intervention, Barau directed the committee to submit its report within two weeks.

 

Presenting the motion, Ekpenyong said the renewed attacks had targeted Nigerians and other African nationals, including many with valid residence and work permits.

 

He stressed that Nigeria had consistently supported South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle and had continued to uphold the rule of law by protecting South African businesses operating in Nigeria despite repeated attacks on Nigerians abroad.

 

The senator maintained that while South Africa has the sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, such enforcement must be carried out by authorised state institutions in accordance with the rule of law and respect for fundamental human rights.