MTN, DSTV at Risk as APC National Chairman Calls for Nationalisation of SA Businesses in Response to Xenophobic Attacks

In the wake of recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other foreigners living in South Africa, there have been a number of uprisings in Nigeria.

Recently, the chairman of the ruling political party in the country, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, said in a broadcast that Nigeria should nationalise South African companies operating on its soil.

In the clip broadcast by Channels Television, Oshiomhole advised that the Nigerian government should take over the shares of MTN Nigeria that belongs to South Africans.

He also advised that Nigerians boycott South African businesses. He added the banks with South African origin be asked to pack up and go home after the appropriate tax has been deducted from their earnings in the Nigerian market.

Already, businesses owned by South Africans have been at the receiving end of the anger of Nigerians. Outlets of ShopRite and MTN have been raided and some of them have been burnt down by angry Nigerians responding to the xenophobic attacks.

In his speech, the chairman emphasised that boycotting and nationalising the South African businesses in the country would send a message to the South African authorities that they would be on the losing end if Nigeria chooses to do without South Africa.

Whereas South Africans continue to benefit from the Nigerian business environment and repatriating billions of dollars, the South African authorities appear jealous of the menial jobs which some Nigerians and other black people are involved in. It is worth it for the Nigerian government to take steps to take over the remaining shares of MTN that are owned by South Africans.

Adams Oshiomhole, Chairman of All Progressive Congress

According to Oshiomhole, the Nigerian government is required to take the appropriate steps in handling South African businesses in the country. He believes this would send a message of support and sympathy to Nigerians especially those who have lost persons or properties to the xenophobic attacks.

The labour leader turned politician believes it would curb the violent reactions some Nigerians have had to the attacks. The FG is yet to publicly acknowledge or issue a response to Oshiomhole’s statements.