Senate Pushes to Revoke MTN and DSTV Licences Over Xenophobic Attacks

• Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called for the revocation of MTN and DSTV licences in Nigeria, citing the need to respond firmly to renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

The senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has called on the Federal Government to revoke the licences of South African companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN and DSTV, following renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

The call comes amid growing concern over the safety of Nigerians abroad, as the House of Representatives also condemned the latest wave of attacks and urged immediate diplomatic and protective measures.

Speaking during plenary, Oshiomhole said Nigeria must respond decisively to protect its citizens, invoking the principle of reciprocity in international relations.

“I don’t want this Senate to be shedding tears, to sympathise with those who have died. We didn’t come here to share tears,” he said.

“If you hit me, I’ll hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It’s an economic struggle.”

The former Edo State governor proposed that Nigeria should nationalise MTN and withdraw its operating licence, arguing that the company repatriates significant revenue while Nigerians face hostility abroad.

“This Senate should adopt a position that MTN, a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day… that Nigeria nationalise it and withdraw its licence,” he said.

He added that such action would create opportunities for local firms and serve as a strong response to what he described as economic and social targeting of Nigerians.

Oshiomhole also called for the revocation of DSTV’s licence, alleging unfair practices and economic exploitation, and urged Nigerians to take over roles currently held by foreign companies.

“I call on the Federal Government to revoke DSTV, which is also a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars,” he said.

The lawmaker linked the tensions to internal political dynamics in South Africa, noting that anti-immigrant sentiments have influenced attitudes toward foreign nationals, including Nigerians. He argued that firm measures would strengthen Nigeria’s bargaining position.

According to him, Nigerians living in South Africa are economically active and not dependent on the host country. “These Nigerians who are in South Africa, they are not there on holiday. They are there to work and to earn,” he said.

“When we hit back, the president of South Africa will go on his knees to recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated,” he added.

DON’T MISSS: Xenophobic: FG Demands Justice Over Slain Nigerians in South Africa

Also speaking, Senator Victor Umeh raised concerns about the safety of Nigerians, describing the situation as alarming.

“It is worrisome… they are hiding for their lives, they can’t move freely. This is a situation where people are paying good with evil,” he said, referencing Nigeria’s historical role in the anti-apartheid struggle.

Umeh called on the African Union to intervene and impose sanctions, warning that Nigeria cannot continue to tolerate attacks on its citizens.

“The AU, of which South Africa is a member, should rise now and impose necessary sanctions… we cannot allow this to continue,” he said.

The development underscores mounting pressure on the Federal Government to adopt stronger diplomatic and economic measures in response to recurring xenophobic violence targeting Nigerians abroad.