Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Lives Must Come Before Foreign Investments — Oshiomhole
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole has defended his controversial call for the nationalisation of MTN and other South African-owned companies operating in Nigeria, insisting that the protection of Nigerian citizens should outweigh concerns about foreign investment.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Tuesday, Oshiomhole argued that Nigeria must adopt tougher economic measures against South African interests following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.
According to the senator, while Nigerian shareholders in companies such as MTN could retain their stakes, South African ownership interests should be stripped away.
“I know MTN is publicly quoted and Nigerians can keep their shares, but South African rights should be removed,” he stated.
Oshiomhole further suggested that the Federal Government could nationalise affected companies before transferring ownership to Nigerians through a fresh privatisation process.
“In my view, you nationalise and later reprivatise so Nigerians can take control, while profits that would have left the country remain here. There should be no South African stake in such businesses,” he said.
The lawmaker also hinted that similar measures could extend to foreign financial institutions linked to South Africa, maintaining that economic pressure was necessary to compel accountability over repeated attacks on Nigerians abroad.
He claimed that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa only openly condemned xenophobic violence after Nigeria mounted diplomatic and economic pressure, although he did not provide evidence to support the assertion.
Addressing fears that such policies could discourage foreign investors, Oshiomhole maintained that the value of human life must remain paramount.
“What is the value of wealth to the dead? We cannot welcome investors whose investments are tied to the blood of Nigerians. No amount of money is greater than human life,” he said.
The senator lamented what he described as repeated attacks on Nigerians in South Africa without accountability.
“The first time Nigerians were killed, nothing happened. The second time, they attacked and killed Nigerians again, and there were no consequences. Even now, no one has been held accountable,” he said.
Oshiomhole also recalled that agreements reached during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari failed to stop the violence.
“There was an understanding under Buhari’s government, but it was ignored. Nigerians are still being killed and nobody has been prosecuted,” he added.
He questioned why economic interests should be prioritised over citizens’ safety.
“If foreign investment comes at the cost of Nigerian lives, then what is the real value of that investment?” he asked.
South Africa has recently witnessed fresh protests and attacks against foreign nationals in areas including Durban, Cape Town, East London and KwaZulu-Natal.
President Ramaphosa has condemned the violence, describing those behind the attacks as opportunists exploiting economic frustrations under the guise of activism.
Meanwhile, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has advised Nigerians in South Africa to remain vigilant and avoid confrontations, while confirming that Nigerian diplomatic officials are engaging South African authorities over the situation.
The renewed tensions have intensified debate over how Nigeria should respond to persistent xenophobic attacks while maintaining economic and diplomatic relations with South Africa.
