Oshiomhole Calls for Revocation of MTN and DSTV Licences Over Xenophobic Attacks
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, has called on the Federal
Government to revoke the operating licences of major South African companies in Nigeria, specifically
MTN and DSTV (MultiChoice), in response to renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
The senator made the strong remarks on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, during plenary at the Nigerian Senate.
While contributing to a motion on the escalating xenophobic violence against Nigerians, Oshiomhole
argued that diplomatic protests alone were insufficient and that Nigeria must respond with decisive
economic measures.
He specifically proposed the nationalisation of MTN Nigeria, stating that the company repatriates huge
sums of money out of the country daily while Nigerians face hostility, attacks, and killings abroad.
“This Senate should adopt a position that MTN, a South African company that is taking away millions of
dollars from Nigeria every day, that Nigeria should nationalise it and withdraw its licence so that a
Nigerian company can take over MTN’s business,” he said.
Oshiomhole also targeted DSTV, describing it as another South African company “carting away millions
of dollars” and engaging in practices he viewed as exploitative.
He urged the revocation of its licence, emphasising that the lives of Nigerians who have lost their lives in
xenophobic attacks are “worth more than foreign investment.”
The former Edo State Governor framed the issue as both an economic and diplomatic struggle, stating,
“If you hit me, I’ll hit you.”
He argued that such actions would create opportunities for local Nigerian firms and send a strong
message against the targeting of Nigerians in South Africa.
This latest call comes amid reports of increased xenophobic tensions, protests, and attacks on Nigerian
communities and businesses in parts of South Africa.
Earlier in the week, the Nigerian Mission in South Africa reported that over 130 Nigerians had already
registered for voluntary evacuation.
Oshiomhole’s proposal, while emotive, is yet to be formally adopted as a resolution by the Senate.
It reflects growing frustration among some lawmakers over the recurring violence and perceived lack of
adequate protection for Nigerian nationals abroad.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
