Xenophobia: ‘We should take away South African control of MTN’ – Oshiomhole

Federal Lawmaker, Adams Oshiomhole, has called for the nationalisation of South African-owned MTN Nigeria, arguing that Nigeria should take control of the company and remove South African influence, especially amid growing tensions stemming from xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, stated that while Nigerian shareholders could retain their stakes in MTN, South African control should be eliminated. He suggested that MTN Nigeria should be re-privatised so that Nigerians can assume control and ensure there is no repatriation of funds to South Africa.

“I’m aware that MTN is quoted on the stock exchange. Nigerian shareholders can hold on to their shares, but we should take away South African control. We should re-privatise it so Nigerians can take it over, and there would be no repatriation of funds to South Africa,” Oshiomhole stated.

The lawmaker further criticized South Africa’s failure to address its high unemployment rate, which, he believes, has led to xenophobia against other African nationals. He recalled a statement made by South African President Ramaphosa, a major shareholder in MTN, during his campaign when he said that foreigners were taking jobs from South Africans. “Now South Africa has high unemployment, and some have transferred aggression against other Africans. Life is more important. Nigeria should not look for investors who choose wealth over human life,” Oshiomhole said.

Oshiomhole’s comments come in the wake of continuing tensions between South Africa and other African countries, particularly after several xenophobic attacks targeted Nigerians living in South Africa in recent years.