Xenophobia: Nigeria May Weigh Options on South African Firms — Odumegwu-Ojukwu

The Federal Government has hinted at the possibility of taking measures against South African companies operating in Nigeria if the continued harassment and attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa persist.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the disclosure on Thursday while addressing concerns over rising xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and ongoing efforts to protect affected citizens.

According to the minister, Nigeria has consistently exercised restraint and pursued diplomatic engagement with South African authorities but may be compelled to review available options if the situation does not improve.

“As I indicated before, there are these huge conglomerates. By the way, there are over 120 South African companies operating in Nigeria,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that South African businesses enjoy a favourable operating environment in Nigeria and are not subjected to discriminatory treatment.

“Nobody is asking them to provide proof of identity. Nobody is asking South African staff working there whether they are South Africans or Nigerians, and nobody is taking over their shops or businesses.

“But this is happening to Nigerians in South Africa. So, I think that at some point, we really have to review the options available to us,” she added.

The minister identified several major South African firms operating in Nigeria, including MTN Nigeria⁠, MultiChoice Nigeria⁠, Stanbic IBTC Bank⁠ and Protea Hotels⁠.

She, however, stressed that any retaliatory action would have to comply with constitutional provisions and legislative procedures.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu revealed that South African authorities had reportedly abandoned a memorandum of understanding signed with Nigeria in October 2025 on an early warning mechanism designed to protect citizens and property during periods of tension.

The minister expressed concern over reports that some Nigerians, including those married to South Africans and raising families in the country, were being pressured to leave.

“When your citizens are being harassed, when your citizens are people who have spent years there, then it becomes a serious concern,” she said.

The development follows earlier calls by Adams Oshiomhole for the revocation of licences of certain South African companies operating in Nigeria over renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians living in South Africa.