Oshiomhole calls for MTN Nigeria nationalisation, urging Nigerian control amid tensions over South African influence and xenophobia concerns
Federal lawmaker Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, has called for the nationalisation of MTN Nigeria, urging that the telecommunications giant be placed under full Nigerian control.
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Oshiomhole made the remarks while reacting to ongoing tensions between Nigeria and South Africa, particularly concerns linked to past xenophobic attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa.
He argued that while Nigerian investors should retain their shares in the company, South African control over MTN Nigeria should be removed.
“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,” he said.
The senator also criticised South Africa’s economic challenges, particularly its high unemployment rate, which he linked to growing hostility toward foreign nationals.
He referenced remarks attributed to South African leadership during election campaigns, where concerns were raised about foreigners competing for local jobs.
Oshiomhole stressed that Nigeria should prioritise investments that respect human life and national dignity, rather than allowing foreign dominance in key sectors of the economy.
The comments come amid lingering diplomatic sensitivities between both countries, following repeated reports of xenophobic violence targeting Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa.
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The proposal is expected to generate further debate on foreign ownership, investment policy, and economic nationalism in Nigeria’s telecom sector.
