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The Nigerian government has said that it may retaliate against South African companies operating in Nigeria, including telecommunications giant MTN, following attacks and harassment of Nigerians in South Africa.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known on Thursday while addressing concerns about rising anti-migrant violence in South Africa and the evacuation of affected Nigerians.
She said Nigeria had so far exercised restraint and pursued diplomatic engagement, but warned that it might consider other options if the situation persists.
“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.
She stressed that any retaliatory steps would follow constitutional provisions and due legislative processes.
The minister explained that Nigeria was engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels, with the National Assembly expected to play a role in any formal response if negotiations fail.
She also revealed that South African authorities had withdrawn an earlier memorandum of understanding on an early warning mechanism signed in October 2025, which was intended to protect citizens of both countries during crises.
She said the situation was particularly concerning as some Nigerians affected have families and children born in South Africa.
The remarks come after renewed calls in Nigeria for sanctions on South African businesses following continued xenophobic attacks, with the National Assembly also urging stronger diplomatic and protective measures.
