Nigerian Senate Calls for Revocation of MTN, MultiChoice Licenses

During a plenary session on Tuesday, the Nigerian Senate, represented by Adam Oshiomhole, called for the revocation of operating licenses for South African companies, specifically MTN Group and MultiChoice, in response to renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa. Oshiomhole emphasized the need for reciprocal diplomatic measures, arguing that the telecom giant MTN repatriates significant revenue from Nigeria while Nigerians face hostility in South Africa.

The Senate adopted a position that MTN and other South African companies take away millions of dollars from Nigeria daily. Oshiomhole linked the recurring xenophobic tensions to international political dynamics in South Africa, suggesting that anti-immigrant rhetoric is shaping public attitudes towards foreigners, including Nigerians.

Victor Umeh described the situation as alarming, urging the African Union to intervene. Senate President Godswill Akpabio condemned the attacks as barbaric and unacceptable, announcing plans to send a joint delegation to engage with the South African parliament.