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| File Photo: Victor Umeh addressing journalist |
The senator representing Anambra Central, Victor Umeh, has said Nigeria would not suffer if South African businesses were asked to leave the country, insisting that Nigerians have the capacity to replace their services.
Umeh made the remarks on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today while reacting to renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
The lawmaker argued that no South African-owned business operating in Nigeria was providing services that Nigerians could not deliver if the government prioritised local investment and capacity development.
According to him, Nigeria has the human and technical resources to thrive without South African companies.
"We can send them away from here, even their business, who cares? It's not like Nigeria will collapse if they go, we will never collapse," he said.
His comments come amid reports of fresh attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, with some victims allegedly killed and businesses looted.
Despite his criticism, Umeh condemned xenophobic attacks, warning that targeting foreigners would damage South Africa's international reputation and economy.
"Attacking and sending foreigners out of your country is not the way to build a nation. By the time people avoid going to South Africa, they will see the hurt they have done to themselves," he said.
The senator maintained that Nigeria could independently provide services currently linked to South African firms if the necessary investments were made.
"There's nothing they're doing in Nigeria that we cannot do for ourselves. If it is satellites that they have, we have to spend money," he added.
Umeh also recalled that Nigerian investors had attempted to establish local digital satellite transmission services as far back as 2006 through DAAR Communications Plc.
"I remember in 2006, DAAR Communications wanted to start digital satellite transmission, the type of thing they are doing in South Africa. Some of us were moved to patriotically invest in that public offer they did," he said.
He stressed that with deliberate government policies and sustained investment, Nigeria could develop its digital infrastructure and create similar business opportunities.
"If Nigeria takes it as a priority, it will be able to create all those opportunities. Nigeria has also advanced in digital technology. We can bring these things about," Umeh said.