Nigeria’s Senate has rejected calls for the Federal Government to take over South African-owned businesses, including MTN and DStv, in response to renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. Instead, lawmakers urged the government to step up diplomatic pressure, seek written safety guarantees from South Africa and support Nigerians affected by violence, intimidation, looting and displacement.

The debate came after fresh reports of attacks and threats against Nigerians and other African nationals following a 30 June 2026 deadline reportedly issued by anti-migrant vigilante groups for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa.

The motion, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River South, asked the Senate to respond to what it described as recurring xenophobic attacks and intimidation against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

Reuters reported this week that Nigeria said two of its citizens had been killed in South Africa during a surge in anti-migrant violence, while South Africa called on Nigeria to provide evidence through formal diplomatic channels. South Africa’s police watchdog said it had opened an investigation into one reported police-related death.