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Oshiomhole Urges FG to Revoke MTN And DSTV Licence Over Xenophobia

Nigeria’s Senate has called for stronger action against South Africa after fresh xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in the country.

During a debate on Tuesday, May 6, 2026, Senator Adams Oshiomhole asked President Bola Tinubu to revoke the licences of MTN and DStv in Nigeria.

MTN and DStv are two major South African businesses with a strong presence in Nigeria. Oshiomhole said Nigeria should no longer allow South African companies to make huge profits here while Nigerians suffer attacks in South Africa.

Lawmakers said diplomacy alone was no longer enough. They want South Africa to face real consequences if it fails to protect Nigerians.

What Triggered the Senate’s Anger

The debate followed a motion by Senator Aniekan Bassey from Akwa Ibom North East.

He condemned the latest attacks on foreigners in South Africa. Lawmakers said Nigerians had lost homes, businesses and freedom of movement because of the violence.

Since late March 2026, several foreign-owned properties have been attacked. Some immigrants were also denied access to hospitals.

Videos shared online showed migrants being forced out of health facilities. Some South Africans told them they had no right to use government-funded hospitals.

At least two Nigerians and one Ethiopian reportedly died in the attacks.

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, also confirmed that 130 Nigerians had registered for evacuation from South Africa. More people may still join the list.

The Nigerian government has already summoned the South African envoy in Abuja. President Tinubu also condemned the attacks. But many senators said Nigeria must go beyond statements.

Oshiomhole Wants Economic Action

Oshiomhole said Nigeria should respond in a way South Africa will feel.

He argued that South African companies make a lot of money from Nigeria, while Nigerians in South Africa face attacks and humiliation.

He said Nigeria should withdraw MTN’s licence and allow a Nigerian company to take over its business.

He also mentioned DStv, owned by MultiChoice. He accused the company of benefiting heavily from Nigerian customers while South Africa fails to protect Nigerians living there.

Oshiomhole said the matter was no longer just about diplomacy. To him, it had become an economic issue.

Senators Recall Nigeria’s Support for South Africa

Senator Victor Umeh also spoke strongly during the debate.

He reminded lawmakers that Nigeria supported South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle. Nigerian workers, students and civil servants contributed money and support for South Africa’s freedom.

Umeh said it was painful that Nigerians now face attacks in the same country Nigeria helped.

He also called on the African Union to act against South Africa over the violence.

But Senator Adamu Aliero urged caution. He said Nigeria should still use diplomacy as the main tool. He also warned that revoking company licences could create legal problems and affect Nigerians working for those companies.

What the Senate Agreed To Do

The Senate did not approve Oshiomhole’s call to revoke the licences of MTN and DStv.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the proposal would not form part of the official resolution.

Instead, the Senate agreed to send a delegation to South Africa. The delegation will meet with South African lawmakers and express Nigeria’s displeasure.

The Senate will also write to the Speaker of the South African Parliament.

Lawmakers also invited Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to brief them on what the government is doing to protect Nigerians in South Africa.

The Senate asked South African authorities to arrest and punish those behind the attacks.

It also called for a better protection plan for Nigerians abroad. This includes early warning systems, evacuation plans and support centres for Nigerians facing danger.

House of Representatives Also Steps In

The House of Representatives also moved to respond to the crisis.

It asked its Committee on Foreign Affairs to create a 24-hour emergency response desk at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria.

The House also called for a legal aid fund to support Nigerians affected by the attacks.

Both chambers of the National Assembly observed a minute of silence for Nigerians who died in the violence.

This Crisis Keeps Repeating

Xenophobic attacks in South Africa are not new.

Similar attacks happened in 2008, 2015 and 2019. Many foreign nationals, including Nigerians, suffered during those periods.

Nigeria recalled officials and evacuated citizens during some of those crises.

But the 2026 situation has created stronger anger at home. Many Nigerians now want their government to do more than condemn the attacks.

MTN and DStv have become part of the debate because both companies earn heavily from Nigeria. Any action against them could affect South Africa, but it could also affect Nigerian workers and customers.

That is why the matter is sensitive.

What This Means

The Senate’s debate shows growing frustration over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.

Oshiomhole wants Nigeria to hit back economically. Other lawmakers want stronger diplomacy and legal action.

For now, the Senate has chosen diplomacy. But the message is clear. Nigeria wants South Africa to protect Nigerians, punish attackers and stop the violence from happening again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Oshiomhole want MTN and DStv licences revoked?

He believes South African companies should not keep making money from Nigeria while Nigerians face attacks in South Africa.

Did the Senate approve the licence revocation?

No. The Senate did not approve the proposal. It chose diplomatic action instead.

How many Nigerians want to leave South Africa?

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister said 130 Nigerians had registered for evacuation.

What is Nigeria doing about the attacks?

Nigeria has summoned the South African envoy. The Senate will also send a delegation to South Africa and invite the Foreign Affairs Minister for a briefing.