Oshiomhole Proposes Economic Retaliation Against South African Firms Following Xenophobic Attacks

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on the Federal Government to confiscate the profits of South African companies operating in Nigeria and channel the funds to compensate Nigerians who suffered losses during xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Speaking during Senate plenary on Tuesday, the Edo North lawmaker said the move would be a reciprocal response after South African authorities ruled out compensation for Nigerians who lost businesses, property and loved ones in the attacks.

Oshiomhole argued that it would be unjust for Nigerian taxpayers to bear the burden of compensating victims when South Africa has declined to accept responsibility.

He proposed that profits generated by South African businesses in Nigeria, including banks, should be appropriated and used to support affected Nigerians.

“Following comments by the South African minister that compensation will not be paid to Nigerians whose shops were looted, whose properties were destroyed and whose lives were lost, the Nigerian government should reciprocate by appropriating the profits of South African companies operating in Nigeria, including their banks, and use those funds to compensate Nigerians,” he said.

The former Edo State governor maintained that the repeated attacks on Nigerians were not isolated incidents and said the South African government had failed to adequately protect victims or provide compensation.

His comments follow South Africa’s rejection of calls to compensate Nigerians who lost businesses and property while fleeing renewed xenophobic violence.