Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on the Federal Government to take a firm diplomatic and economic stance against South Africa following the country’s reported refusal to compensate Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks.
The former Edo State governor made the call in reaction to comments reportedly made by a South African government official indicating that compensation would not be paid to Nigerians whose businesses were destroyed, properties looted, or loved ones killed during previous waves of xenophobic violence.
According to Oshiomhole, Nigeria should respond by appropriating profits generated by South African-owned companies operating within the country and channeling the funds toward compensating Nigerian victims of the attacks.
He argued that if South Africa is unwilling to accept responsibility for the losses suffered by Nigerians, the Nigerian government should consider economic measures that reflect the principle of reciprocity.
The senator specifically suggested that profits from South African investments, including banking institutions and other major companies with operations in Nigeria, could be seized and used to provide relief and compensation to affected Nigerians.
“Following comments by a South African minister to the effect that compensation will not be paid to those Nigerians whose properties were looted, shops burnt, and even lives taken, the Government of Nigeria should reciprocate by appropriating the profits from South African shares in Nigeria, including their banks such as Stanbic IBTC, and use that money to compensate Nigerians,” Oshiomhole said.
His remarks come amid renewed outrage in Nigeria over reports of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa. The incidents have reignited calls for stronger diplomatic action, improved protection for Nigerian citizens abroad, and accountability for victims of the violence.
Oshiomhole’s proposal is expected to generate debate among policymakers, legal experts, and business stakeholders, as any move to seize the assets or profits of foreign companies could have significant legal, diplomatic, and economic implications.
Successive Nigerian governments have repeatedly condemned xenophobic attacks in South Africa, urging the authorities in Pretoria to ensure the safety of foreign nationals and prosecute those responsible for acts of violence.
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The latest developments have once again raised concerns over bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa, two of Africa’s largest economies, with many Nigerians calling for stronger measures to protect citizens living and doing business abroad.
