Former Edo State governor and current senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has called for the nationalization of MTN Nigeria following renewed attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
Oshiomhole proposed that the Nigerian government withdraw the operating license of MTN Nigeria and transfer control to a local telecommunications firm.
He also suggested revoking the license of MultiChoice, framing the move as a form of reciprocal action against what he described as persistent hostility toward Nigerians abroad.
The senator’s remarks come in response to reports of anti-foreigner violence in South Africa, where at least two Nigerians were reportedly killed and several others forced into hiding. According to Oshiomhole, Nigerians have the capacity to manage telecom operations locally, arguing that South Africans should focus on opportunities within their own country.
However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has taken a more cautious approach. While condemning the attacks as “barbaric,” Akpabio emphasized the need for diplomatic engagement rather than retaliatory economic actions. He disclosed plans for a Senate-led fact-finding mission to South Africa aimed at addressing the crisis through dialogue.
Despite growing nationalist sentiment online supporting Oshiomhole’s stance, concerns have been raised about the potential economic consequences of such measures. Analysts warn that revoking licenses of major foreign investors like MTN and MultiChoice could trigger investor uncertainty and negatively impact Nigeria’s business climate.
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Meanwhile, the Nigerian government is reportedly making arrangements for the voluntary evacuation of affected citizens, as tensions between both countries revive memories of the 2019 xenophobic attacks.
