Former Edo State Governor and Nigerian senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has called for a review of South African control over telecommunications giant MTN Group, citing concerns linked to recurring xenophobic tensions in South Africa.

Oshiomhole made the remarks while reacting to ongoing debates around xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, where Nigerian businesses and citizens have previously been affected.

He argued that Nigeria should reassess strategic economic relationships where foreign entities have significant control over key sectors, especially when such countries are perceived to pose risks to Nigerian interests.

According to him, “we should take away South African control of MTN,” stressing that national economic security should be considered alongside international business partnerships.

MTN, one of Africa’s largest telecommunications operators, has extensive operations in Nigeria and remains a major player in the country’s mobile and data services sector.

Oshiomhole’s comments add to long-standing discussions about foreign ownership in critical industries and Nigeria’s efforts to balance investment inflows with national economic sovereignty.

The statement is expected to spark further debate among policymakers, business leaders and trade analysts over the structure of multinational investments in Nigeria’s telecom sector.

So far, neither MTN nor relevant South African authorities have issued an official response to the remarks.