Nigeria, July 7 -- The Senate on Tuesday rejected calls by some of its members to nationalise South African companies operating in Nigeria and use the proceeds from the firms to compensate Nigerians who suffered losses during xenophobic attacks in that country.

The upper chamber reached the decision after a majority of senators rejected the proposal through a voice vote during plenary while debating a motion on the continued attacks and killings of Nigerians in South Africa.

The motion was sponsored by Cross River South Senator, Asuquo Ekpenyong.

Among the South African companies operating in Nigetia are MTN, a telecom giant and DStv, a pay television service owned by MultiChoice Group.

During the debate, Lagos Central Senator, Wasiu ...