The Federal Government has warned that it may review its relationship with South African companies operating in Nigeria, including major firms such as MTN, MultiChoice and Stanbic IBTC, following renewed attacks and harassment of Nigerians living in South Africa.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the warning on Thursday while addressing growing concerns over xenophobic violence and the evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa.
She said Nigeria has continued to show restraint and has been engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels, but stressed that the government may be forced to consider other options if the situation does not improve.
According to her, Nigeria currently hosts more than 120 South African companies across different sectors of the economy, and Nigerians have not disrupted their operations or subjected their workers to harassment.
“As I indicated before, there are these huge conglomerates. There are over 120 South African companies operating in Nigeria,” she said.
“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.”
She, however, expressed concern that Nigerians in South Africa continue to face attacks, discrimination and in some cases forced evacuation from their homes and 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,” the minister added.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu specifically mentioned major South African companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic IBTC, and Protea Hotels, noting their strong presence across key sectors such as telecommunications, banking, media and hospitality.
The minister explained that while Nigeria remains committed to diplomacy and peaceful engagement, any retaliatory action would follow due constitutional procedures and legislative approval.
She noted that the Federal Government is working closely with the National Assembly, which would play a key role in determining Nigeria’s official response if diplomatic efforts fail.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also revealed that a previously signed memorandum of understanding between Nigeria and South Africa on an early warning mechanism had been discarded by South African authorities.
She said the agreement, signed in October 2025, was meant to help both countries prevent escalation during crises and protect citizens living in each other’s territories.
The minister warned that the growing tension is becoming more serious, especially as Nigerians who have lived in South Africa for many years are now being affected.
“When it comes to situations like this, of course, it is necessary to be temperate and exercise caution,” she said.
“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.”
She further disclosed that in some cases, Nigerians and their South African family members are being asked to leave the country, a development she described as troubling.
The issue of xenophobic attacks in South Africa has been a recurring diplomatic challenge between both countries for years.
Nigeria and South Africa are Africa’s two largest economies and maintain strong economic ties, but relations have often been strained by periodic outbreaks of violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, particularly Nigerians.
In previous incidents, shops owned by Nigerians have been looted, properties destroyed, and several citizens displaced, prompting evacuations and diplomatic protests from the Nigerian government.
In May, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North in the National Assembly, called for tougher action, including the revocation of operating licences of South African companies in Nigeria.
He specifically mentioned MTN and MultiChoice, operators of DStv, urging the government to respond firmly to continued attacks on Nigerians abroad.
The National Assembly has also repeatedly condemned xenophobic violence in South Africa, calling on the Federal Government to take stronger diplomatic and protective measures to safeguard Nigerian citizens.
Nigeria has previously organized evacuation flights and emergency assistance for affected citizens during periods of heightened violence.
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They note that while economic retaliation remains a sensitive option due to the interconnected nature of both economies, it reflects Nigeria’s growing willingness to defend its citizens abroad more assertively.
For now, the Federal Government says it is still prioritising dialogue, but insists that continued attacks on Nigerians in South Africa may force a reassessment of existing bilateral relations.
As tensions persist, attention now turns to whether diplomatic efforts between Abuja and Pretoria will yield lasting solutions or whether Nigeria will proceed with tougher economic and political measures in response.