The Nigerian Senate has rejected a proposal seeking the nationalisation of South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria as compensation for Nigerians affected by recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The proposal, put forward by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun, who represents Lagos Central, was dismissed during plenary after the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, ruled that it fell outside the scope of the motion under consideration.
The debate took place during deliberations on a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), which focused on the persistent attacks, intimidation and harassment of Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.
Speaking during the debate, Eshilokun urged the Federal Government to place the protection of Nigerian citizens at the heart of the country’s foreign policy.
According to him, Nigeria must respond more decisively whenever its citizens are attacked abroad.
First and foremost, Nigeria and Nigerians should be the centrepiece of our foreign policy. Any harm to any Nigerian should be taken seriously,” he said.
The senator argued that South Africans have largely forgotten Nigeria’s historic contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle that helped secure South Africa’s liberation.
He noted that despite Nigeria’s support during the apartheid era, Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa continue to face violent attacks, intimidation and destruction of property.
Eshilokun proposed that the Nigerian government should consider nationalising South African companies operating in Nigeria and use the proceeds to compensate Nigerians who have suffered losses due to xenophobic violence.
He specifically referenced major South African investments such as MTN Nigeria and MultiChoice’s DStv, arguing that stronger economic measures could send a clear message to South African authorities.
They have DStv and MTN making a lot of money. We can nationalise them and use the proceeds to pay those who were attacked or suffered losses in South Africa,” he said.
He maintained that Nigeria should not remain passive while its citizens continue to face attacks abroad.
We cannot fold our hands because the safety of the lives of Nigerians, either at home or abroad, is the first contract we have with our people,” he added.
Following his submission, Eshilokun requested that his proposal be incorporated into the Senate’s official resolutions as an additional prayer.
However, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, ruled against the request.
Barau explained that the proposal was outside the scope of the original motion and therefore could not be adopted as part of the Senate’s resolutions.
Instead, he directed the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to examine the broader issues raised during the debate and submit its report to the upper chamber within two weeks.
The Senate subsequently adopted the original motion without including the recommendation to nationalise South African-owned businesses.
During the debate, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) also advocated stronger diplomatic action, urging the Federal Government to consider severing diplomatic relations with South Africa over the repeated attacks on Nigerians.
Lawmakers expressed concern that xenophobic violence has persisted despite several diplomatic engagements between both countries over the years.
They stressed that Nigeria must continue pursuing measures capable of ensuring the safety and protection of its citizens living abroad.
The debate reflects growing frustration among Nigerian lawmakers over recurring incidents of xenophobic violence targeting Nigerians in South Africa.
Over the years, numerous Nigerians have reportedly lost their lives, businesses and properties during violent attacks that have strained diplomatic relations between Africa’s two largest economies.
Although calls for retaliatory economic measures have surfaced in the past, the Senate’s latest decision indicates a preference for further diplomatic review rather than immediate punitive action against South African businesses operating in Nigeria.
The Senate is expected to consider recommendations from its Committee on Foreign Affairs after the committee concludes its review of the matter, while pressure continues to mount for stronger government action to safeguard Nigerians living overseas.
