The Federal Government has hinted at possible measures against South African companies operating in Nigeria if the continued harassment and xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa persist.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this on Thursday while addressing concerns over the worsening treatment of Nigerians in South Africa and ongoing efforts to protect affected citizens.
She said although Nigeria has exercised restraint and continued to engage South African authorities through diplomatic channels, the government may be forced to consider other options if the attacks do not stop.
“There are over 120 South African companies operating in Nigeria. Nobody is asking them to prove their identity or questioning whether their staff are South Africans. Nobody is taking over their businesses or shops,” the minister said.
“But this is happening to Nigerians in South Africa. At some point, we may have to review the options available to us.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu listed major South African firms operating in Nigeria, including MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic and Protea, noting that they continue to operate freely despite the tensions.
She, however, stressed that any action against the companies would be guided by Nigeria’s Constitution and due legislative process.
According to the minister, the Federal Government is currently pursuing diplomatic engagement with South Africa, while the National Assembly would play its constitutional role should stronger measures become necessary.
She also revealed that South African authorities had abandoned a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) 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 tension.
The minister described the development as disappointing, saying the agreement was intended to help both governments respond quickly to incidents that threaten their nationals.
“When your citizens are being harassed, especially people who have lived there for years, married South Africans and raised families there, it becomes a serious concern,” she said.
“Under these circumstances, not only Nigerians but also their South African spouses and children are being asked to leave South Africa.”
Calls for stronger action against South Africa have grown in recent months following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African migrants.
In May, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, urged the Federal Government to revoke the operating licences of South African companies in Nigeria, including MTN and MultiChoice, owners of DStv.
The National Assembly also condemned the attacks and called on the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts while taking additional measures to protect Nigerians living abroad.
