Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has defended his call for the nationalisation of MTN Group and other South African-owned companies operating in Nigeria, saying the protection of Nigerian lives should come before foreign investment concerns amid renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Tuesday, Oshiomhole argued that Nigeria should adopt stronger economic measures against South African businesses in response to repeated attacks on Nigerians living in the country.
“I am aware that MTN is quoted, and therefore Nigerian shareholders can hold on, but we take away the South African rights,” he said.
The former Edo State governor suggested that Nigeria could restructure ownership of affected firms to ensure they are fully controlled by Nigerians.
“And because of the issue, I’m not sure of the legal status, that’s why I say you nationalise, 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. There will be no South African share in it,” he added.
Oshiomhole also mentioned foreign financial institutions operating in Nigeria, insisting similar measures could apply to them.
He linked his position to recurring attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, arguing that economic pressure was necessary to compel accountability.
The senator further claimed that South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, only publicly condemned attacks on foreigners after Nigeria mounted diplomatic and economic pressure, although he did not provide evidence for the claim.
Responding to concerns that nationalisation could discourage foreign investment, Oshiomhole maintained that the safety of Nigerians should remain the priority.
“If anything leads to the death of Nigeria, what is the value of wealth to the dead? We don’t want investors who invest at the expense of human blood. Even in my poverty, I value my life,” he said.
Pressed further on the potential economic implications, he questioned whether foreign investment should outweigh the value of human life.
“Is human economy, weight, or foreign investor, foreign dollar more important than the life of a Nigerian?” he asked.
Oshiomhole said repeated attacks on Nigerians in South Africa had continued without justice being served.
“When a country, for the first time, kills Nigerians, they got away with it. Second time, they riot, they kill Nigerians, they got away with it. Third time, they kill Nigerians, they got away with it,” he said.
He also referred to diplomatic agreements reached during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying they failed to stop the attacks.
“Under Buhari, there was an agreement. They broke it. They are killing Nigerians. Nobody is in prison for murder, extrajudicial murder,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria should not continue to prioritise foreign investment while its citizens remain vulnerable abroad.
South Africa has in recent weeks witnessed renewed protests and attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of Durban, Cape Town, East London and KwaZulu-Natal.
President Ramaphosa has condemned the violence, describing those behind it as opportunists taking advantage of socio-economic grievances.
“These are the acts of opportunists who are exploiting the legitimate grievances, particularly those of the poor, under the false guise of ‘community activism,’” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has advised Nigerians in South Africa to remain vigilant and avoid confrontations, while confirming that the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg is engaging local authorities over the situation.
NiDCOM also disclosed that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs is in talks with South African officials regarding the attacks.
The latest comments by Oshiomhole have further intensified the diplomatic debate over how Nigeria should respond to repeated attacks on its citizens in South Africa while maintaining foreign investment relations.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
FOLLOW US & Share this with someone who needs to see this.
