\n\n
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has defended his controversial call for the nationalisation of South African companies operating in Nigeria, insisting that the lives of Nigerians should take priority over foreign investments amid renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The former Edo State governor made the remarks while reacting to growing outrage over attacks targeting Nigerians and other African migrants in parts of South Africa. 
Oshiomhole specifically mentioned companies such as MTN and other South African-owned businesses, arguing that Nigeria must apply economic pressure if attacks on Nigerians continue. According to him, Nigerians cannot continue losing their lives while the country protects foreign commercial interests. He suggested that affected companies could be nationalised and later re-privatised under Nigerian ownership so profits would remain within Nigeria. 
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, the senator questioned whether foreign investment should be valued above human life. “We don’t want investors who invest at the expense of human blood,” he said, stressing that economic diplomacy should not override the protection of citizens abroad. His comments came after reports that Nigerians and other African nationals were attacked, killed, and displaced during renewed anti-immigrant protests in South Africa. 
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has since condemned the violence, describing those behind the attacks as “opportunists” and criminals exploiting social frustrations. Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has summoned South Africa’s diplomatic representatives and warned citizens living in South Africa to remain vigilant as tensions continue. 
