Odumegwu-Ojukwu: Nigeria May Sanction South African Businesses Over Xenophobic Attacks

Nigeria's Federal Government has indicated it might implement actions against South African enterprises operating within its borders, notably telecommunications behemoth MTN. This consideration comes amidst escalating public anger regarding ongoing assaults and harassment targeting Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa. Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, confirmed this development on Thursday, during a session where she discussed the alarming rise in anti-migrant violence in South Africa and the ongoing repatriation efforts for Nigerians.

The Minister noted that Nigeria had consistently shown restraint and prioritized diplomatic avenues. However, she cautioned that the government could be forced to consider alternative courses of action if the xenophobic attacks continue unabated.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated, "As I indicated before, there are these huge conglomerates. By the way, there are over 120 South African companies operating in Nigeria." She highlighted the disparity, adding, "Nobody is asking them to provide proof of identity. Nobody is asking South African staff working there whether they are South Africans or Nigerians, and nobody is taking over their shops or businesses. But this is happening to Nigerians in South Africa. So, I think that at some point, we really have to review the options available to us. We have MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic, Protea and many other South African brands spanning multiple sectors."

The Minister, nevertheless, emphasized that any potential retaliatory steps would strictly adhere to constitutional requirements and established legislative procedures. She further clarified that the Federal Government is currently engaged in diplomatic discussions with South African authorities. Should these diplomatic efforts prove unsuccessful, the National Assembly is poised to fulfill its constitutional duty in shaping Nigeria's ultimate response.

Furthermore, the Minister revealed that South African authorities had disregarded a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Nigeria concerning an early warning mechanism, an agreement they had both signed in October 2025. This pact, she explained, was specifically designed to safeguard the lives and assets of both Nigerian and South African citizens during periods of conflict, such as the current situation. "When it comes to situations like this, of course, it is necessary to be temperate and exercise caution," the minister stated. "But when your citizens are being harassed, when your citizens are people who have spent years there, and mind you, some of them are married to South Africans and have children who have known no other home but South Africa, then it becomes a serious concern. Now, under these circumstances, they are asking not just Nigerians, but also their South African spouses and their children, to leave South Africa."

It is worth recalling that in May, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, advocated for the cancellation of operating licenses for South African companies in Nigeria, specifically mentioning MTN and MultiChoice, the parent company of DSTV. This call followed a resurgence of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa. The National Assembly had also previously denounced these attacks, pressing the federal government to implement prompt diplomatic and protective strategies to ensure the safety of Nigerian nationals overseas.