Oshiomhole Pushes Tough Economic Measures Against South African Companies Over Xenophobic Attacks

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Former Edo State governor and current senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has stirred nationwide debate after advocating stronger economic action against South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria following renewed xenophobic violence targeting Nigerians abroad.

The outspoken lawmaker argued that protecting Nigerian citizens should outweigh concerns about foreign investment and diplomatic sensitivities.

Call For Economic Retaliation Intensifies

Speaking during a television interview, Oshiomhole insisted that repeated attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa could no longer be ignored through mere diplomatic statements and negotiations.

He maintained that Nigeria must begin considering tougher responses capable of sending a clear message to South African authorities and business interests.

According to Gossip News Now, the senator specifically referenced telecommunications giant MTN and other foreign-linked firms operating within Nigeria.

Proposal Targets South African Ownership Interests

While clarifying that Nigerian investors would not necessarily lose their stakes, Oshiomhole suggested that ownership connected directly to South African interests should be removed.

He explained that one possible route would involve temporary government takeover followed by re-privatisation under Nigerian control.

The senator argued that such an approach would allow profits generated within Nigeria to remain in the country instead of flowing abroad.

He further hinted that similar measures could eventually affect other international businesses if foreign governments fail to adequately protect Nigerians.

Human Lives More Important Than Investment — Oshiomhole

During the interview, the former labour leader strongly defended his position against criticisms that nationalisation could damage investor confidence.

For him, safeguarding the lives of Nigerians remains more valuable than preserving foreign commercial interests.

He questioned the relevance of economic wealth if citizens continue losing their lives during xenophobic attacks overseas.

At another point, the APC chieftain stressed that Nigeria should never appear powerless while its citizens face repeated violence in another country.

Frustration Over Repeated Xenophobic Violence

The senator also expressed disappointment over what he described as a recurring pattern of attacks against Nigerians in South Africa without adequate punishment for perpetrators.

He recalled previous diplomatic efforts initiated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, arguing that earlier agreements failed to produce lasting solutions.

According to him, the continued attacks demonstrate the need for stronger pressure beyond diplomatic conversations.

South African Government Responds To Violence

Recent unrest in parts of South Africa reportedly affected foreign nationals in cities including Durban, Cape Town, East London, and KwaZulu-Natal.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the violence and described those responsible as individuals exploiting public frustrations for destructive purposes.

Meanwhile, Nigerian authorities through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) have advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain vigilant and avoid confrontations while diplomatic engagements continue.

Commentary And Analysis

The latest remarks from Adams Oshiomhole have reignited conversations about how African governments should respond when citizens abroad become targets of violence.

While some Nigerians support stronger economic retaliation against foreign-owned companies, others fear that nationalisation policies could discourage future investment and create economic uncertainty.

Political analysts believe the debate reflects broader frustrations over repeated xenophobic incidents involving Nigerians in South Africa over the years.

Observers also note that balancing economic diplomacy with citizen protection remains one of the biggest challenges facing African governments in cross-border relations.

As tensions continue to rise, pressure may increase on both Nigerian and South African authorities to develop more effective long-term mechanisms capable of preventing future attacks and strengthening bilateral trust.