Xenophobic attacks: Nigerian lives more important than investment - Senator Oshiomhole

Senator Adams Oshiomhole defended his call on Tuesday for the nationalisation of MTN and other South African companies operating in Nigeria. He insisted that "Nigerian lives must take precedence over foreign investment amid renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa." Oshiomhole argued that Nigeria should take stronger economic action against South African interests in response to repeated attacks on Nigerians abroad.

Oshiomhole said Nigeria should consider restructuring ownership of affected firms to ensure local control, suggesting nationalisation and reprivatisation so "Nigerians can take it over, and the profit they are taking out of Nigeria will be retained here. There will be no South African share in it." He linked his position to persistent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, arguing that economic pressure was necessary to force accountability. He claimed that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa only publicly condemned attacks on foreigners after Nigeria applied diplomatic and economic pressure. Oshiomhole said repeated killings of Nigerians in South Africa had gone without accountability and referenced past diplomatic engagements that had not stopped the attacks.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has urged citizens in South Africa to stay alert and avoid confrontation. NiDCOM confirmed that the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg is engaging local authorities to ensure safety and that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs is in talks with her South African counterpart over the situation. President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence, describing the perpetrators as opportunists exploiting socio-economic grievances.