Oshiomhole Urges FG to Seize South African Firms’ Profits, Compensate Xenophobia Victims

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has urged the Federal Government to appropriate the profits of South African companies operating in Nigeria and use the funds to compensate Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The former Edo State governor made the call during Tuesday’s plenary, following comments by South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who ruled out compensation for many affected Nigerians.

Ntshavheni had argued that only legally registered properties qualified for compensation and that informal settlements did not meet the requirements. She also referenced alleged drug-related activities involving some Nigerians while defending her government’s position.

Reacting, Oshiomhole described the destruction of Nigerian-owned businesses and properties as unjustifiable, insisting that victims deserved compensation regardless of the registration status of their businesses.

“Since the South African government has refused to compensate Nigerians whose businesses were looted, shops destroyed and lives lost, Nigeria should reciprocate by appropriating the profits of South African companies operating here and use the money to compensate the victims,” he said.

The senator argued that it would be unfair for Nigerian taxpayers to bear the burden of compensating victims while South African firms continue to make huge profits in the country.

“We cannot allow our people to suffer these attacks while South African investments and profits remain untouched. The profits should be used to settle those who have been brutally attacked and whose businesses and properties were destroyed,” he added.

South African companies, including telecommunications giant MTN Group and several banks, have significant investments in Nigeria, one of their largest markets on the continent.