Xenophobia: Senate rejects proposal to nationalise MTN, DStv over attacks on Nigerians

The Nigerian Senate has rejected calls by some of its lawmakers to nationalise South African-owned companies in Nigeria over attacks linked to xenophobia. The proposal urged that proceeds be used to compensate Nigerians who suffered losses in the ongoing xenophobic attacks. 

The development comes amid the attacks and killings of Nigerians in South Africa, coupled with the continued repatriation of Nigerians from the country. 

Among South African companies operating in Nigeria are leading telecoms company, MTN and MultiChoice-owned pay-TV company, DStv. 

In a proposal raised by Lagos Central Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun during Tuesday’s plenary, he urged the Senate to nationalise South African companies operating in Nigeria. He lamented the continued killing of Nigerians and destruction of their properties, which has forced many to vacate the country. 

MTN and DStv

Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomole, also supported the proposal. He argued that instead of merely expressing grief over the attacks, the Senate should adopt measures that would impact the South African economy.

Recall that earlier in May, the former Edo State governor raised concerns when he proposed that Nigeria should take over MTN and other South African companies operating in Nigeria or revoke their operating licences. He added that Nigeria continues to face negative effects while these companies remit significant revenue out of the country. 

However, the majority of lawmakers rejected the proposal through a voice vote and deliberated on ways forward to address the diplomatic tensions. 

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over Tuesday’s session, rejected the proposal, noting that circumstances and tensions surrounding xenophobia should be properly investigated before considering any other action. 

“Killing people in the name of protest is not something that should be accepted. It is unacceptable; we cannot allow that, but then we need to be careful, particularly because we live in Africa; we set the pace. Whatever we want to do, we need to be very careful,” he noted.

Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin

Jibrin also addressed claims that South Africa had refused to compensate victims, noting that facts should be separated from social media posts. He explained that the South African minister was saying that victims who occupied their houses illegally would not be compensated. 

“But those who have titles, nobody will take those titles away from them; nobody will take their properties from them even if they have been displaced,” he added.

Jibrin urged the senators to withdraw their proposals and allow the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to investigate the ongoing xenophobia-linked attacks and report back in two weeks. 

In early May, the Senate decided to send a delegation to South Africa as part of efforts to resolve the ongoing issues. 

Also Read: Karl Toriola distances MTN Nigeria from xenophobic attacks, says it is a Nigerian company.

Addressing the xenophobia crisis

Attacks surrounding Xenophobia continue to gain major attention, triggering regional tensions in Africa after South African citizens claim visitors are making them jobless. In this, Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda and Zimbabwe have organised voluntary repatriations and evacuations for their citizens from South Africa.

For Nigeria, the resolution is finding a way to settle xenophobia matters through diplomatic conversations and clarity of disputes, if there are any. 

“The government should be bold enough to say we have been threatened by some certain people who are conspiring to destabilise our nation. The president should come out to tell the world. Maybe after the committee has done its work, maybe we will find it necessary to advise the South African government,” the Deputy Senate President said. 

Protest against xenophobia

Cross River South Senator, Asuquo Ekpenyong, in his motion urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to obtain written assurance from the South African government on the security and protection of Nigerians living in the country. 

He called for the arrest of those responsible for violence, intimidation and unlawful immigration enforcement, adding that support should be given to Nigerians who suffered loss of business and property, displacements and injury.