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Xenophobia: Nigeria warns South Africa tensions could hit MTN – Technology Times
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The Federal Government has signalled that rising xenophobic tensions in South Africa could have implications for the operating environment of major South African businesses operating in Nigeria, particularly telecoms giant MTN Nigeria, and other firms with significant investments in the country.
The warning comes as anti-immigration groups in South Africa intensify campaigns against foreign nationals ahead of a June 30 deadline issued by some activist groups demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country.
In Nigeria, South African-linked companies maintain a strong presence across banking, broadcasting, hospitality and financial services. These include MTN Nigeria, the nation’s largest mobile network operator with over 95 million phone subscribers, Stanbic IBTC, majority-owned by South Africa’s Standard Bank Group, MultiChoice, operator of the DStv platform, and hotel brands such as Protea.
Speaking during an interview with TVC News on anti-migrant protests in South Africa, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed concern over the treatment of Nigerians in the country and suggested that lawmakers could consider measures aimed at making South Africa “feel the pinch” if the attacks and harassment of Nigerians continue.
“Nobody is asking them to provide proof of identity, nobody is asking South African staff that go to work here whether they are South Africans or Nigerians and nobody is taking over their shops or their businesses. But this is happening to Nigerians in South Africa,” she said.
South Africa’s xenophobia: Lawmakers to decide fate of MTN Nigeria, minister says
Responding to concerns about firms such as MTN and other South African companies operating in Nigeria, Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that Nigerians have generally allowed South African businesses to operate freely despite recurring tensions.
“Nobody is asking them to provide proof of identity, nobody is asking South African staff that go to work here whether they are South Africans or Nigerians and nobody is taking over their shops or their businesses. But this is happening to Nigerians in South Africa,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu revealed that discussions with South African authorities had not provided the assurances Nigeria was seeking. According to the minister, South African authorities cited difficulties in protecting migrants because foreign nationals are dispersed across local communities rather than concentrated in designated areas.
“I must say the conversation was not particularly encouraging,” she said, referring to engagements with her South African counterpart.
The minister also accused South Africa of failing to fully implement a previously agreed memorandum designed to provide early warning mechanisms during periods of tension.
“We signed this memorandum. Once they got back to South Africa, they decided that they weren’t going to adhere to it,” she said.
Although South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly condemned vigilantism and insisted that ordinary citizens have no authority to demand identity documents from migrants, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said stronger action is still needed to curb harassment and attacks. Drawing a comparison with a previous diplomatic intervention in Ghana, she said Nigerian authorities had not seen the same level of urgency from South Africa.
While the minister stopped short of endorsing direct action against South African firms, she acknowledged growing calls for a review of Nigeria’s response.
“Those options are not on the table for me. The options are on the table for our legislators. They themselves will come up with what steps that need to be taken to make South Africa feel the pinch,” she said.
The minister argued that continued attacks were already harming South Africa’s international image, adding that the country has been “stained with the stigma of a xenophobic country.”
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The King of Small Chops joins APC heavyweights as Prince Saheed Kekere-Ekun rallies support for Governor Oyebanji in Ekiti
Renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist and founder of Saheeto Signature, Prince Saheed Kekere-Ekun, popularly known as “The King of Small Chops,” joined top leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s grand finale rally in Ado-Ekiti, throwing his weight behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s bid for a second term in office.
The well-attended rally brought together Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, serving governors, ministers, lawmakers and thousands of party supporters in what has been described as one of the largest political gatherings in Ekiti State ahead of the governorship election.
Prince Kekere-Ekun, whose influence extends beyond business into philanthropy and public engagement, was seen interacting with several party leaders, including Governor Dapo Abiodun, as the APC presented a united front in support of Governor Oyebanji.
Speaking after the rally, Prince Kekere-Ekun said his presence in Ekiti was driven by his belief in Governor Oyebanji’s leadership and the progress recorded under his administration.
“Governor Biodun Oyebanji has shown genuine commitment to the development of Ekiti State. His style of leadership is inclusive, people-focused and development-driven. I came to stand with him because I believe he deserves the opportunity to continue the good work he has started.”
He described the massive turnout at the rally as a clear indication of the governor’s growing popularity across the state.
“The atmosphere here speaks volumes. You can feel the enthusiasm and the confidence of the people. It is inspiring to see Ekiti people united behind a leader they believe has their interest at heart.”
Prince Kekere-Ekun also urged party supporters to remain peaceful and focused as the election approaches.
“Democracy is strengthened when people participate peacefully and responsibly. I encourage everyone to come out, support the candidate of their choice and ensure that the process remains peaceful. For me, Governor Oyebanji has earned the trust and confidence of the people through his performance.”
Widely recognised as “The King of Small Chops” for building one of Nigeria’s most successful hospitality brands, Prince Kekere-Ekun has continued to expand his influence beyond entrepreneurship, maintaining strong relationships across business, politics and community development.
His appearance at the APC mega rally further reflects his support for progressive governance and his commitment to initiatives aimed at advancing development and economic growth.
As Ekiti prepares for the governorship election, Prince Saheed Kekere-Ekun’s presence alongside the party’s top leadership added yet another notable voice to the growing campaign for Governor Oyebanji’s re-election, reinforcing the message of continuity and confidence in the administration’s vision for the state.
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