Senate Urges Tinubu to Sanction South African Firms, Evacuate Nigerians Amid Rising Xenophobia
- May 6
- 1 min read
Nigeria’s Senate has called on President Bola Tinubu to take a tougher stance against South Africa over renewed xenophobic attacks, including revoking the operational licences of major South African companies in the country and facilitating the return of affected Nigerians.
She reiterated the government’s condemnation of the attacks, describing the situation as fuelled by inflammatory rhetoric and urging immediate action to protect affected individuals.
Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has denounced the violence but also called on foreign nationals to comply with local laws.
Nigeria has also taken diplomatic steps by summoning South Africa’s acting high commissioner, signalling growing tension between both countries as pressure mounts for decisive action.
The call was led by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during plenary, where lawmakers expressed concern over reports of violence targeting Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa.
Oshiomhole argued that Nigeria should respond with economic measures, specifically naming telecom giant MTN Group and pay-TV provider MultiChoice Group as companies whose licences could be reconsidered. He maintained that diplomatic engagement alone was insufficient, suggesting that firm retaliation would compel a stronger response from South African authorities.
The senator also proposed that Nigerians willing to return home should be supported and reintegrated into sectors currently dominated by foreign-owned firms, framing the crisis as both a humanitarian and economic issue.
The development follows weeks of unrest in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals have reportedly been targeted over allegations of job displacement and criminal activity. In response, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed that evacuation plans are underway, with over 100 Nigerians already indicating interest in returning home.
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