By Seun Ibiyemi
The Federal Government has threatened to review the operations of South African companies in Nigeria, including MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic and other major firms, over the continued harassment and attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, issued the warning on Thursday while addressing concerns over rising xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and ongoing efforts to evacuate affected citizens from the Southern African nation.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria had exercised considerable restraint and remained committed to resolving the issue through diplomatic channels, but noted that the government might be forced to consider stronger measures if the attacks continue.
She pointed out that more than 120 South African companies currently operate in Nigeria without facing discrimination or intimidation, unlike Nigerians residing in South Africa.
“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,” the minister said.
According to her, companies such as MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic and Protea Hotels have enjoyed a conducive business environment in Nigeria, while Nigerians in South Africa continue to suffer harassment and attacks.
“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,” she added.
The minister, however, clarified that any action against South African businesses would be undertaken in accordance with Nigeria’s constitutional provisions and through due legislative processes.
She explained that the Federal Government is currently engaging South African authorities diplomatically, while the National Assembly would be expected to play a constitutional role in determining the country’s response if diplomatic efforts fail.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also disclosed that South African authorities had abandoned a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Nigeria in October 2025 on an early warning mechanism designed to protect the lives and property of citizens of both countries during periods of conflict.
She expressed concern over the plight of Nigerians who have spent years living in South Africa, many of whom are married to South Africans and have children born and raised in the country.
“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,” she said.
The minister further lamented that some Nigerians, alongside their South African spouses and children, were now being pressured to leave the country.
Her remarks come weeks after Senator Adams Oshiomhole called for the revocation of licences of South African companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN and MultiChoice, following renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians.
The National Assembly had also condemned the attacks and urged the Federal Government to take urgent diplomatic and protective measures to safeguard Nigerian citizens living abroad.
Headline adjusted by globalreport
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