Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Senator representing Edo North, in the National Assembly, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, called on the Federal Government to facilitate Nigerian ownership of telecom giant MTN.
The former Governor of Edo State was expressing deep worry over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa where xenophobic attack on foreigners including Nigerians have continued.
He said the xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa should force a rethink of Nigeria’s economic relationship with South African-linked businesses.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, monitored by our correspondent, Oshiomhole argued that protecting Nigerian lives must take precedence over preserving foreign corporate interests or investment inflows.
“Life is more important. Nigeria should not look for investors who choose wealth over human life,” he stated.
The senator representing Edo North proposed that MTN’s South African majority ownership be dismantled, even though the company is already listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange with Nigerian shareholders participating in the business.
According to him, Nigerians who already own shares in the telecommunications company can retain their investments, but control of the firm should no longer remain in South African hands.
“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.
Oshiomhole linked the recurring attacks in South Africa to rising unemployment and growing anti-foreigner sentiment within the country.
Referencing comments allegedly made during the political campaign of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, whom he described as a major shareholder in MTN, the lawmaker claimed foreigners had increasingly been blamed for taking jobs meant for South Africans.
He argued that worsening economic hardship in South Africa had fueled hostility toward migrants and other African nationals, particularly Nigerians.
Oshiomhole insisted that no foreign investor should be considered more valuable than the lives and safety of Nigerian citizens, insisting that national interest must remain the government’s priority.
