Lawmakers opt for diplomacy over economic warfare as fresh violence hits Nigerians in South Africa
The Nigerian Senate has firmly rejected calls to nationalise South African-owned businesses, including MTN and DStv, in response to ongoing xenophobic attacks against Nigerians, even as it condemned the violence and demanded stronger diplomatic action.
The debate, triggered by a motion from Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South), follows fresh attacks after vigilante groups issued a June 30 ultimatum for foreigners to leave South Africa.
Key Senate Resolutions:
· Demand written safety assurances from South African government
· Push for prosecution of perpetrators of violence
· Establish verified register of Nigerian victims for compensation
· Engage African Union to create early warning mechanisms
· Give Foreign Affairs Committee two weeks to report findings
Contentious Moments:
Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed appropriating profits from South African companies operating in Nigeria to compensate victims, arguing: “We cannot allow Nigerians to suffer losses and then use taxpayers’ money while South African businesses continue making profits here.”
However, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin cautioned against hasty action, noting the South African minister’s clarification that only those without legal property titles would be ineligible for compensation.
Senator Eshilokun Wasiu (APC, Lagos Central) had raised the nationalisation proposal, but it was firmly rejected.
Context: Nigeria previously nationalised British Petroleum’s interests during the apartheid struggle in 1977, but senators now prefer diplomatic channels over economic retaliation.
The Senate recalled Nigeria’s historic solidarity with South Africa during apartheid, including hosting the 1977 Lagos World Conference Against Apartheid.
