- Oshiomhole has linked his call to nationalize MTN Nigeria to ongoing xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
- Speaking during plenary, Oshiomhole argued that Nigeria must adopt stronger economic measures in response to what he described as unfair treatment of Nigerians abroad, particularly in South Africa where foreign-owned businesses often continue to thrive locally.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on the Nigerian Senate to consider nationalizing MTN Nigeria, linking his position to recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
Speaking during plenary, Oshiomhole argued that Nigeria must adopt stronger economic measures in response to what he described as unfair treatment of Nigerians abroad, particularly in South Africa where foreign-owned businesses often continue to thrive locally.
“This Senate should adopt a position that MTN, a South African company, that is taking away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day, that Nigeria should nationalize it and withdraw its license so that a Nigerian company can take over MTN’s business,” he said.
He added that the move would serve as a form of economic retaliation and balance in light of ongoing tensions.
“It is time to reciprocate. This Senate should adopt a position that MTN, a South African company, carting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day, be nationalized. Its license withdrawn & taken over by a Nigerian company,” Oshiomhole stated.
His remarks come amid renewed conversations around xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has historically affected Nigerian nationals and businesses, often sparking diplomatic concerns between both countries.
