Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo North, has renewed his call for Nigeria to revoke the operating licences of MTN Nigeria and MultiChoice Nigeria over xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
Speaking on Tuesday during an interview on ARISE News’ morning programme, Oshiomhole said Nigeria should prioritise the lives of its citizens above foreign investments.
“No foreign investor can be equated to a Nigerian life,” he said.
Earlier, the senator had proposed sanctions against South African companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN Group and MultiChoice, owners of DStv and GOtv, following renewed attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
However, the Senate rejected the proposal and instead resolved to pursue diplomatic engagement over the attacks.
Despite the Senate’s position, Oshiomhole maintained that stronger measures were necessary.
The former Edo governor specifically called for MTN to be nationalised and transferred fully into Nigerian control.
“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,” he said.
“We should re-privatise it so Nigerians can take it over, and there would be no repatriation of funds to South Africa.”
Oshiomhole linked the attacks to anti-foreigner sentiments in South Africa and rising unemployment in the country.
“During the campaign of President Ramaphosa, a major shareholder in MTN, he argued that foreigners are doing the jobs of South Africans,” he said.
“Now South Africa has high unemployment, and some have transferred aggression against other Africans.”
The senator added that Nigeria should not prioritise investment inflows above the protection of its citizens.
“Life is more important. Nigeria should not look for investors who choose wealth over human life,” he said.