Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on the Federal Government to appropriate profits made by South African companies operating in Nigeria and use the funds to compensate Nigerians whose businesses and properties were destroyed during recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has urged the Federal Government to seize profits earned by South African companies operating in Nigeria and channel the proceeds toward compensating Nigerians affected by the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The senator made the proposal during Tuesday’s plenary session of the Senate while reacting to comments by South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who said the South African government would not compensate many affected Nigerians because only legally registered properties qualify for compensation.
Speaking during the debate, Oshiomhole rejected the South African government’s position, describing the destruction of Nigerian-owned businesses and properties as unjustifiable regardless of whether they were formally registered.
He argued that Nigeria should respond by appropriating profits generated by South African companies operating in the country—including banks and telecommunications firms—and use the funds to compensate victims of the attacks.
According to the lawmaker, Nigeria should not bear the financial burden of compensating its citizens while South African businesses continue to operate freely and repatriate profits from one of their largest markets on the continent.
Oshiomhole’s remarks came amid renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in parts of South Africa.
The debate followed comments by South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who maintained that compensation would only apply to legally registered properties, while also referencing alleged criminal activities involving some foreign nationals in defence of her government’s position.
The senator, however, maintained that the attacks, destruction of businesses and reported loss of lives could not be justified under any circumstances. He further argued that the ultimatum allegedly issued to Nigerians to leave parts of South Africa appeared to have been enforced without adequate intervention from the authorities.
Although Oshiomhole’s proposal received support from some lawmakers, the Senate did not adopt the recommendation.
Instead, the Red Chamber resolved to pursue diplomatic engagement by directing its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs to investigate the latest attacks, review previous resolutions on xenophobia and report back within two weeks. Lawmakers also called on the Federal Government to obtain firm assurances from South African authorities regarding the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
Oshiomhole insisted that Nigeria should move beyond condemning the attacks and adopt stronger measures capable of protecting its citizens and ensuring justice for victims.
Meanwhile, the Senate opted against endorsing proposals to seize or nationalise South African businesses, choosing instead to strengthen diplomatic efforts and seek accountability through existing bilateral channels.
The renewed debate highlights growing concern among Nigerian lawmakers over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa and the recurring nature of xenophobic attacks. While the Senate condemned the violence and called for stronger diplomatic engagement, Oshiomhole’s proposal has added another dimension to discussions on how Nigeria should respond if attacks against its citizens persist.