The Federal Government on Thursday signalled possible actions against South Africa, particularly companies from the country operating in Nigeria, including telecommunications firm MTN, over the continued attacks and intimidation of Nigerians residing in South Africa.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known while responding to concerns regarding the escalating anti-migrant attacks in South Africa and the ongoing evacuation of Nigerians from the country.
Ambassador Ojukwu stated that Nigeria had remained patient and continued to embrace diplomatic dialogue but cautioned that the government could be forced to consider alternative measures if the attacks continue.
She said, “As I indicated before, there are these huge conglomerates. By the way, there are over 120 South African companies operating in Nigeria.
“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.”
She, however, noted that any retaliatory action would be carried out in line with constitutional requirements and due legislative procedures.
The minister explained that the Federal Government was presently engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels, while the National Assembly would perform its constitutional responsibility in deciding Nigeria’s response should such engagements prove unsuccessful.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further disclosed that South African authorities had abandoned the memorandum of understanding signed with Nigeria on an early warning mechanism in October 2025, noting that the agreement was intended to safeguard the lives and property of both Nigerians and South Africans 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. 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,” she said.
The senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, had in May called for the withdrawal of licences issued to South African companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN and MultiChoice, owners of DSTV, following renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa.
