The Nigerian government has signalled it may take action against South African companies operating in Nigeria — including telecom giant MTN — as anger grows over the continued harassment and attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.

What’s Happening?

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said on Thursday that while Nigeria has been pursuing diplomatic solutions, the persistent violence against Nigerians in South Africa may force the government to review its stance.

“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,” she said.

Some of the big South African brands in Nigeria include MTN (telecommunications), MultiChoice (DSTV), Stanbic (banking), and Protea Hotels.

A Broken Agreement

A key development is that South African authorities reportedly discarded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigeria on an early warning mechanism, which was signed in October 2025. That pact was meant to protect the lives and property of both Nigerians and South Africans during times of conflict. Its collapse has deepened frustration.

The attacks are not just affecting Nigerian nationals. The minister noted that many Nigerians have married South Africans and have children who have known no other home but South Africa. Now, families are being told to leave.

The government says any action would follow constitutional and legislative processes. The National Assembly has a role to play in deciding the final response if diplomatic efforts fail.

Earlier in May, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) called for the revocation of licences of MTN and MultiChoice over the attacks. The National Assembly has also condemned the violence and urged the government to take protective measures for Nigerians abroad.

Nigeria faces a difficult choice. On one hand, there is growing public anger and pressure to protect Nigerian citizens. On the other hand, retaliatory measures against South African businesses could have economic consequences, affect jobs, and strain business relations between Africa’s two largest economies.

For now, the government is walking a careful line — urging restraint while making it clear that patience has limits.