Oshiomhole Defends Call to Nationalise MTN Over Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa

Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has defended his call for the nationalisation of MTN and other South African companies operating in Nigeria following renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Tuesday, Oshiomhole said Nigeria must place the safety of its citizens above foreign investment interests.

Oshiomhole proposes local control of firms

The former Edo State governor argued that Nigeria should consider restructuring the ownership of South African companies operating in the country.

According to him, Nigerian shareholders could retain their stakes while South African ownership interests are removed.

“I am aware that MTN is quoted, and therefore Nigerian shareholders can hold on, but we take away the South African rights,” he said.

He also suggested that affected firms could later be reprivatised and transferred fully to Nigerian ownership.

“And then you reprivatise it so that Nigerians can take it over, and the profit they are taking out of Nigeria will be retained here,” Oshiomhole added.

‘Nigerian lives are more important’

Oshiomhole insisted that protecting Nigerian lives should take priority over attracting foreign investors.

“If anything leads to the death of Nigerians, what is the value of wealth to the dead?” he asked during the interview.

The senator argued that Nigeria should not welcome investments linked to countries where Nigerians face repeated attacks.

“We don’t want investors who invest at the expense of human blood,” he stated.

Concerns over repeated xenophobic attacks

Oshiomhole linked his comments to recurring violence against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.

He claimed that several attacks over the years had gone without accountability.

“When a country kills Nigerians repeatedly and nobody is punished, there is a problem,” he said.

The senator also referred to agreements reached during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, claiming the commitments had failed to stop the attacks.

South Africa condemns violence

Recent protests and attacks targeting foreign nationals have been reported in parts of Durban, Cape Town, East London, and KwaZulu-Natal.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the violence and described those behind the attacks as opportunists exploiting social and economic frustrations.

He said the violence was being carried out under the false guise of community activism.

Nigeria monitoring situation

In Nigeria, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm and avoid confrontation.

The commission confirmed that the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg is engaging South African authorities over the safety of Nigerians in the country.

Officials also disclosed that diplomatic discussions are ongoing between both governments regarding the situation.

Debate over investment and diplomacy grows

Oshiomhole’s comments have added fresh debate to Nigeria’s response to xenophobic attacks and the country’s broader economic relationship with South Africa.

While some Nigerians support stronger economic measures against South African businesses, others warn that nationalisation could affect investor confidence and diplomatic relations.

The issue continues to generate discussions around balancing economic partnerships with the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad.