xenophobia: Oshiomhole Urges Seizure of South African Profits
Oshiomhole urges profit seizure from South African firms to fund compensation for Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has urged Nigeria’s federal government to seize profits from South African companies operating in the country.
The Edo North Senator said the money should support Nigerians who suffered losses during xenophobic violence in South Africa. He made the statement on Tuesday while speaking on the floor of the Senate, following the South African government’s refusal to provide compensation for affected Nigerians.
Oshiomhole said Nigeria should consider the move after South Africa rejected calls for payment to citizens whose businesses were damaged or destroyed. He described the Nigeria compensation row as a matter requiring a strong response and argued that taxpayers’ money should not cover losses caused by attacks on returning Nigerians.
He said: “Following comments by the South African minister to the effect that compensation will not be paid to those Nigerians whose properties were looted, shops burned and even lives taken, the government of Nigeria should reciprocate by appropriating the profits from South Africa shares in all South Africa companies in Nigeria, including their banks IBTC, that money be seized and used to pay Nigerians.”
The senator stated that mobs forced Nigerians to leave South Africa and that the government there recognised the action. The Nigeria compensation row continued after South Africa dismissed requests for compensation for abandoned properties.
Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, had earlier confirmed that officials were recording businesses and properties left behind by returnees. These records would support future talks with South African authorities.
South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said registered properties followed legal processes, while informal settlements were not recognised. The Nigeria compensation row remains a key issue between both countries.
What do you think Nigeria’s government should do next regarding compensation for affected citizens?
