Senate Rejects Calls to Take Over MTN, DStv Over Attacks in South Africa

The Senate has rejected calls for the Federal Government to nationalise South African-owned businesses in Nigeria, including MTN and DStv, in response to renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

Instead, the upper chamber urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagement with South African authorities and secure firm written assurances on the safety of Nigerians living in the country.

The Senate also called for the arrest and prosecution of those involved in violence, intimidation, looting and unlawful actions against Nigerians and other African migrants.

The resolutions followed a motion titled, “Motion on the Need to Halt the Recurring Xenophobic Attacks and Intimidation Against Nigerians and Other African Nationals in the Republic of South Africa.”

The motion was sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South.

Senate demands protection for Nigerians

Lawmakers said the renewed attacks had created fear among Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, especially after a June 30 ultimatum reportedly issued by anti-migrant groups for some foreigners to leave the country.

The Senate said Nigeria must respond firmly, but through lawful and diplomatic channels.

It urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to strengthen emergency consular support for affected citizens.

The chamber also called for a verified register of Nigerians who have suffered death, injury, displacement, unlawful detention, loss of property or destruction of businesses.

According to the Senate, such a register would help the government pursue legal redress, restitution and compensation for affected Nigerians.

Lawmakers also asked the Federal Government to work with other affected African countries through the African Union to create an early warning and accountability mechanism for xenophobic attacks and related violence across the continent.

Calls to target South African businesses rejected

During the debate, some lawmakers expressed frustration that South African-owned companies continue to operate profitably in Nigeria while Nigerian businesses and citizens in South Africa face repeated attacks.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, proposed that profits made by South African companies in Nigeria could be used to compensate Nigerian victims if the South African government failed to provide compensation.

He argued that Nigeria should not use taxpayers’ money to compensate its citizens while South African businesses continue to benefit from the Nigerian market.

Senator Eshilokun Wasiu of Lagos Central also raised the call for South African businesses in Nigeria to be nationalised.

However, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, cautioned against taking action based on unverified claims or anger.

He said the attacks on innocent people were unacceptable but insisted that the Senate must act carefully and rely on proper findings before taking further decisions.

Barau said Nigeria must continue to protect its citizens, but any response must be guided by evidence, diplomacy and the rule of law.

Foreign affairs committee asked to report back

The Senate directed its Committee on Foreign Affairs to submit a report on the situation within two weeks.

The committee is expected to review earlier Senate resolutions on attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, assess previous Nigeria-South Africa engagements and recommend further action.

Barau said the Senate needed full information before deciding the next step.

He also said the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, had already been engaging the matter and supporting affected Nigerians.

He called on the South African government to act decisively against groups carrying out attacks under the cover of protests or immigration enforcement.

Ekpenyong condemns anti-migrant violence

Earlier, Senator Ekpenyong said the Senate was deeply concerned about the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks, intimidation and anti-foreigner vigilantism in South Africa.

He said the situation had gone beyond immigration enforcement because even Nigerians with valid residence, work and immigration documents had reportedly been threatened, profiled, evicted or ordered to leave by unauthorised groups.

According to him, the targeting of people based on nationality or perceived foreign origin amounts to xenophobic hostility and should not be tolerated.

He reminded the Senate that Nigeria played a major role in supporting South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, providing diplomatic, financial and material support to the liberation movement.

He said the long history between both countries made the attacks on Nigerians more troubling.

The Senate acknowledged South Africa’s right to enforce its immigration laws but said such enforcement must be carried out only by authorised state institutions and in line with human dignity, the rule of law and fundamental rights.