Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, on Tuesday defended his call for the nationalization of MTN and other South African companies operating in Nigeria, insisting that Nigerian lives must take precedence over foreign investment amid renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Oshiomhole made the remarks on Tuesday during an interview on Arise News, where he argued that Nigeria should take stronger economic action against South African interests in response to repeated attacks on Nigerians abroad.
“I am aware that MTN is quoted, and therefore Nigerian shareholders can hold on, but we take away the South African rights,” he said.
He added that, in his view, Nigeria should consider restructuring ownership of affected firms to ensure local control.
The senator also referenced other foreign financial institutions operating in the country, insisting that similar action could apply to them. Oshiomhole linked his position to what he described as persistent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, arguing that economic pressure was necessary to force accountability.