By Princely Onyenwe | 9News Nigeria
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday engaged in a heated debate over renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa before rejecting a proposal to nationalise South African-owned companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN and MultiChoice-owned DStv.
The proposal, championed by Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, sought the takeover of South African businesses in Nigeria, with proceeds to be used to compensate Nigerians who have suffered deaths, injuries and property losses in repeated xenophobic attacks.
The debate was triggered by a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who condemned the recurring attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, describing the violence as unacceptable and calling for stronger diplomatic action.
Ekpenyong urged the Federal Government to engage South African authorities decisively while directing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to compile a verified register of Nigerians affected by the attacks for possible legal redress and compensation.
Supporting the nationalisation proposal, Senator Adams Oshiomhole argued that years of diplomatic engagements had failed to end the attacks, insisting that Nigeria should consider stronger economic measures capable of compelling South Africa to protect Nigerians living within its borders.
Senator Abdul Ningi also backed tougher action, urging the Federal Government to move beyond routine diplomatic protests in defending the lives and property of Nigerians abroad.
However, presiding over the plenary, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin cautioned against taking far-reaching decisions without verified facts. He maintained that while the attacks deserved condemnation, Nigeria must continue to demonstrate responsible leadership in Africa by allowing a comprehensive investigation into the incidents before adopting retaliatory measures.
Following deliberations, the Senate rejected the proposal to nationalise MTN, DStv and other South African-owned companies through a voice vote.
Instead, the upper legislative chamber unanimously resolved to condemn the xenophobic attacks, urge the Federal Government to obtain firm assurances from South Africa on the safety of Nigerians, demand the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators, and direct relevant government agencies to document verified victims for possible compensation and legal restitution.
The Senate also mandated its Committee on Foreign Affairs to investigate the matter and report back, while encouraging stronger collaboration through the African Union to establish an early-warning mechanism against xenophobic violence across the continent.
The debate reflected growing concern among Nigerian lawmakers over recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, an issue that has strained diplomatic relations between both countries for years. Similar incidents in 2017 and 2019 sparked widespread condemnation and retaliatory protests against South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria.
While the Senate rejected the proposal to nationalise MTN, DStv and other South African-owned companies, lawmakers maintained that the Federal Government must pursue stronger diplomatic, legal and multilateral measures to protect Nigerians living abroad, ensure justice for victims of xenophobic attacks, and strengthen mechanisms to prevent future violence against Nigerian citizens across the African continent.
The resolutions adopted by the Senate are expected to guide Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with South Africa in the coming months, as both countries seek to preserve their longstanding bilateral relationship while addressing growing concerns over the safety and welfare of Nigerians residing in South Africa.
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria on +234 08036856526
