Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has called for the nationalisation of South African-owned companies operating in Nigeria, including telecom giant MTN, arguing that Nigerian lives should take priority over foreign investment amid renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Speaking during a television interview on Arise News, Oshiomhole said Nigeria should consider taking stronger economic measures against South African interests in response to repeated violence targeting Nigerians abroad.

He suggested a policy approach where affected companies could first be nationalised and later re-privatised under Nigerian ownership, insisting that profits currently repatriated to South Africa should remain within the country.

The senator argued that such steps were necessary to compel accountability and protect Nigerian citizens, referencing recurring attacks on foreigners in South Africa in recent years.

Oshiomhole also extended his argument to other foreign-owned institutions operating in Nigeria, saying similar actions could be considered if necessary.

He claimed that South African authorities only responded publicly to incidents involving Nigerians after diplomatic and economic pressure from Nigeria, although he did not provide evidence for the assertion.

During the interview, he maintained that human life should take precedence over economic considerations, questioning the value of foreign investment in the face of loss of lives.

The senator further alleged that previous commitments between Nigeria and South Africa had failed to prevent continued attacks on Nigerians, describing the situation as unacceptable.

His remarks come amid renewed xenophobic incidents in parts of South Africa, including reported attacks in Durban, Cape Town, East London, and KwaZulu-Natal.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence, describing the attacks as actions by opportunists exploiting socio-economic tensions.

In response, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has urged citizens in South Africa to remain cautious, while confirming ongoing diplomatic engagement with South African authorities through the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg.

Discussions are also ongoing between Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its South African counterpart to address rising tensions and ensure the safety of Nigerian nationals abroad.