The federal government of Nigeria has hinted at probable sanctions against South African firms operating in Nigeria, including telecommunications giants MTN, as outrage mounts over the ongoing harassment and attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, made the announcement on Thursday while addressing concerns over escalating anti-migrant assaults in South Africa and the evacuation of Nigerians.
The minister stated that Nigeria has exhibited caution and is continuing to pursue diplomatic engagements but warned that if the attacks continue, the government may be forced to consider other actions.
“As I indicated before, there are these huge conglomerates. By the way, there are over 120 South African companies operating in Nigeria.
“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.
“We have MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic, Protea, and many other South African brands spanning multiple sectors,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
The minister, however, emphasized that any retaliatory actions must adhere to constitutional principles and the parliamentary procedure.
She stated that the federal government is presently engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels and that the National Assembly will play a constitutional role in determining Nigeria’s response if such attempts fail.
The minister also revealed that South African authorities had discarded their memorandum of understanding with Nigeria on early warning mechanisms, which had been signed in October 2025.
She went on to say that the pact’s primary goal was to defend the lives and property of both Nigerians and South Africans during times of crisis.
“When it comes to situations like this, of course, it is necessary to be temperate and exercise caution. But when your citizens are being harassed, when your citizens are people who have spent years there, and mind you, some of them are married to South Africans and have children who have known no other home but South Africa, then it becomes a serious concern.
“Now, under these circumstances, they are asking not just Nigerians, but also their South African spouses and their children, to leave South Africa,” the minister said.
