We Should Give South Africa The Madness They Are Looking For - Oshiomhole Threatens Fire Against SA Investments in Nigeria

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on Nigeria’s federal government to take a firmer stance against South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African migrants.

Speaking during a Senate plenary session on Tuesday, the lawmaker urged authorities to revoke the operating licences of major South African companies such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group, while also accelerating plans to evacuate Nigerians who wish to return home.

Oshiomhole’s remarks come amid escalating violence in parts of South Africa, where groups of local residents have reportedly attacked foreign nationals, accusing them of illegal residency, job displacement, and involvement in criminal activities, particularly drug trafficking.

The unrest, which has persisted for several weeks, has drawn widespread condemnation across the continent.

Reacting to the crisis, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed that the government has initiated an evacuation program for affected citizens.

According to her, at least 130 Nigerians have already registered for voluntary repatriation, with expectations that more will come forward as tensions continue to rise.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also conveyed the concern of President Bola Tinubu, who has strongly condemned the attacks.

She described the situation as deeply troubling, noting that the violence has been accompanied by “xenophobic rhetoric, hate speech, and incendiary anti-migrant narratives” that threaten regional stability and unity.

During his Senate address, Oshiomhole argued that Nigeria must move beyond diplomatic condemnation and adopt concrete retaliatory measures.

He framed the issue as both a humanitarian and economic conflict, suggesting that if Nigerians are being accused of taking jobs in South Africa, the government should respond by reclaiming economic opportunities at home.

“We cannot continue to mourn endlessly,” he said. “If Nigerians are forced out, then they should return and take up roles in companies like MTN and DStv operating here. Economic pressure is a legitimate tool in diplomacy.”

The senator, a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, emphasized that targeted economic sanctions could compel South African authorities to act more decisively in protecting foreign nationals.

He maintained that while South Africa has the right to enforce its laws, extrajudicial violence against Nigerians is unacceptable and must not go unanswered.

In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks, urging calm while also reminding foreign nationals to comply with local laws.

His response, however, has been met with mixed reactions, with critics arguing that stronger enforcement actions are needed to curb the violence.

Diplomatic tensions have continued to rise, as Nigeria’s government recently summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner to formally protest the attacks and demand assurances for the safety of its citizens.

Analysts note that the situation reflects deeper socio-economic challenges in South Africa, including high unemployment and inequality, which often fuel resentment toward migrants.

However, they warn that retaliatory economic measures—such as revoking business licences—could have broader implications for bilateral trade, investment, and regional cooperation within Africa.

As both nations navigate the crisis, the immediate priority remains the safety of affected individuals, alongside efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further loss of life.