Oshiomhole Urges Federal Government to Seize Profits of South African Firms Over Xenophobic Attacks
The Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has called on the Federal Government to consider seizing the profits of South African companies operating in Nigeria as a means of compensating Nigerians who suffered losses during xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Speaking during plenary on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, the former Edo State governor expressed concern over what he described as the continued failure of the South African government to provide compensation for Nigerians whose businesses, homes and other properties were destroyed during repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence.
Oshiomhole argued that Nigerian taxpayers should not bear the financial burden of compensating victims for losses allegedly caused by attacks that occurred in another country. Instead, he maintained that the profits generated by South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria could be used to provide relief for affected Nigerians if South African authorities fail to fulfil that responsibility.
According to the senator, the attacks were not isolated incidents but acts allegedly carried out by violent mobs in an environment where, he claimed, the authorities failed to provide adequate protection for foreign nationals and their investments.
His comments came in response to remarks by South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who reportedly stated that compensation could only be considered for legally registered properties. She added that properties located in informal settlements would not qualify for recognition under existing legal provisions.
The senator criticised the position, arguing that many Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa suffered significant losses regardless of where their properties were located. He stressed that justice should be based on the impact of the attacks rather than technical classifications of property ownership.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, disclosed that the Nigerian government has commenced the documentation of businesses, homes and other properties abandoned by citizens affected by the xenophobic attacks. The exercise is expected to establish a comprehensive record of losses as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements with the South African government.
The issue of xenophobic violence has remained a recurring source of tension between Nigeria and South Africa over the years, with successive attacks prompting diplomatic protests, public outrage and renewed calls for stronger measures to protect Nigerians living and conducting business in the country.
