“It is time to reciprocate. This Senate should adopt a position that MTN, a South African company, carting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day, be nationalized. Its license withdrawn & taken over by a Nigerian company”
-Sen. Adams Oshiomole pic.twitter.com/Nlvsqsy3GS
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) May 5, 2026
The national assembly has strongly condemned the latest wave of xenophobic violence, urging the Federal Government to take urgent diplomatic and protective action.
Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, during plenary today called for the revocation of operating licences belonging to South African companies in Nigeria, following renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
Oshiomhole argued that the principle of reciprocity in international relations should guide Nigeria’s response to the situation.
Reacting, President of the senate, Godswill Akpabio said both chambers will form a joint team to go to South Africa to meet with their parliamentary representatives regarding the recent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
This is just not acceptable, this is barbaric, this is cruel, this is unheard of, this is tunage behavior, and we’re not seeing action from the government of South Africa. These are aspects that annoy me.
– Senate President Sen. Godswill Akpabio said they will form a joint team… pic.twitter.com/4voJT6stmh
— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) May 5, 2026
At the House of Representatives, a motion of urgent public importance was moved by Donald Ojogo (APC, Ondo) and seconded by Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo), and presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Lawmakers called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately engage South African authorities to halt the attacks and ensure the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
They also urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prepare evacuation measures for Nigerians who may wish to return home.
In addition, the House recommended a review of bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa, including a possible suspension of business permits granted to South African companies operating in Nigeria.
The House further mandated its Committee on Foreign Affairs, alongside other relevant committees, to collaborate with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to establish a 24-hour emergency response desk and a legal aid support system for affected citizens.
Lawmakers also called for the development of a comprehensive evacuation contingency plan, including financial and logistical assistance for Nigerians in high-risk areas who may wish to relocate.
