₦airaland Forum

Why the Federal Government of Nigeria Must Nationalize MTNN

It is no longer news that the ANC-led ruling xenophobic government of South Africa has crossed the Rubicon, stirring honest resentment across the continent. The immense contributions of Nigerians, our parents and grandparents, in supporting the liberation of black South Africans from the clutches of apartheid have seemingly been consigned to the dustbin of history.

Many celebrated and renowned Nigerian musicians recorded several albums and songs in support of freedom for the xenophobic nation.

The late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti released an album titled Beast of No Nation. Kollington Ayinla sang a track in honour of Nelson Mandela, while Wasiu Ayinde performed a song for African leaders. There were also many other celebratory songs and events marking the freedom of the oppressed, who were often referred to as slaves during that era.
A Yoruba adage says: “Everyone suffers collective punishment once a slave is made a king.” This is what we are seeing in Xenophobic South Africa today.

Nigerians born in the 1960s-70s and beyond carry a clearer, more personal narrative of this solidarity. In my growing-up years, after the morning assembly, the next memory verse we recited daily before learning activities commenced was: “Apartheid is a crime against humanity, free Mandela.”

This same arrogant and ungrateful xenophobic posture has seen South Africa label Nigeria a drug-peddling nation and subject Nigerians living there to collective punishment. In response to this brief narrative, which has already become a global viral event, I call upon the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately set up a panel of experts to commence the nationalization of MTN Nigeria (MTNN) and separate the entity from its South African parent company.

I recall vividly when the parent company of MTNN illegally repatriated billions of dollars, amounts reportedly twice Nigeria’s national foreign reserves at the time, through a consortium of banks. This issue was diplomatically resolved during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. At that time, the government could have confiscated the entire assets of MTNN, but it refrained for fear of sending a negative signal to foreign investors, whom Nigeria desperately needed.

Such an action would not be the first instance of diplomatic tit-for-tat in international relations. Many countries have successfully nationalized strategic sectors, including telecommunications, to assert sovereignty and protect national interests. For instance, in 2008, Bolivia nationalized its leading telecommunications company, Entel (previously owned by Telecom Italia), as part of broader resource and strategic sector reforms under President Evo Morales. This move allowed the government to regain control over critical infrastructure, expand access in underserved areas, and redirect revenues toward social programs, contributing to economic stability in key sectors despite ongoing challenges.

A compelling African example is Ethio Telecom in Ethiopia, which remains predominantly state-owned. It has demonstrated strong performance, reporting significant revenue growth (e.g., a 20% rise in half-year revenue to over US$633 million in one period) while successfully launching Telebirr, a mobile money service that reached millions of subscribers. Even as Ethiopia liberalized the market by allowing private entrants like Safaricom, the state-owned operator continues to drive digital inclusion, generate substantial government revenue (often described as a “cash cow”), and support national development goals. This shows that competent local management under national ownership can deliver results in complex telecom environments.

Further afield, China’s major state-owned telecom operators, such as China Mobile, have achieved global scale and technological leadership while advancing national strategic objectives like widespread broadband access and digital economy growth. These examples illustrate that nationalization, when paired with competent local expertise and clear governance, can transform strategic assets into engines of sovereignty and development rather than perpetual outflows.

Nigeria is blessed with many capable and competent professionals, engineers, managers, and executives,who can navigate the complexities of MTNN once the nationalization act is passed.

To lead the post-transition phase of a nationalized MTNN, we can leverage the expertise of prominent Nigerian corporate leaders, including Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, Emmanuel Nnorom, Femi Otedola, and Abdul Samad Rabiu.
Retaining and empowering local talent would ensure operational continuity and improved service delivery aligned with national priorities.

As a matter of urgency, Nigeria should sever all diplomatic relations with the xenophobic Republic of South Africa. This would serve as a strong deterrent to any ungrateful nation on the continent. Instead, we should build deeper diplomatic and economic ties with willing African partners who respect mutual sovereignty and historical solidarity.

Additionally, the non-profitable operations of Access Bank’s foreign entity in South Africa should be discontinued to align with this assertive posture.

Nationalizing MTNN is not merely retaliatory; it is a strategic imperative to reclaim economic sovereignty, stem capital flight, and redirect telecom revenues toward Nigeria’s development.

Historical precedents from Bolivia, Ethiopia, and China demonstrate that such bold steps, executed with expertise and foresight, can yield long-term benefits for the nation. The time for decisive action is now.
Xenophobia is one of the worst crimes against Black Africans. It is time to sever all diplomatic ties with South Africa."

Xenophobia is one of the worst crimes against Black Africans. It is time to sever all diplomatic ties with South Africa.

Mankind2024:
Why the Federal Government of Nigeria Must Nationalize MTNN

It is no longer news that the ANC-led ruling xenophobic government of South Africa has crossed the Rubicon, stirring honest resentment across the continent. The immense contributions of Nigerians, our parents and grandparents, in supporting the liberation of black South Africans from the clutches of apartheid have seemingly been consigned to the dustbin of history.

Many celebrated and renowned Nigerian musicians recorded several albums and songs in support of freedom for the xenophobic nation.

The late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti released an album titled Beast of No Nation. Kollington Ayinla sang a track in honour of Nelson Mandela, while Wasiu Ayinde performed a song for African leaders. There were also many other celebratory songs and events marking the freedom of the oppressed, who were often referred to as slaves during that era.
A Yoruba adage says: “Everyone suffers collective punishment once a slave is made a king.” This is what we are seeing in Xenophobic South Africa today.

Nigerians born in the 1960s-70s and beyond carry a clearer, more personal narrative of this solidarity. In my growing-up years, after the morning assembly, the next memory verse we recited daily before learning activities commenced was: “Apartheid is a crime against humanity, free Mandela.”

This same arrogant and ungrateful xenophobic posture has seen South Africa label Nigeria a drug-peddling nation and subject Nigerians living there to collective punishment. In response to this brief narrative, which has already become a global viral event, I call upon the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately set up a panel of experts to commence the nationalization of MTN Nigeria (MTNN) and separate the entity from its South African parent company.

I recall vividly when the parent company of MTNN illegally repatriated billions of dollars, amounts reportedly twice Nigeria’s national foreign reserves at the time, through a consortium of banks. This issue was diplomatically resolved during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. At that time, the government could have confiscated the entire assets of MTNN, but it refrained for fear of sending a negative signal to foreign investors, whom Nigeria desperately needed.

Such an action would not be the first instance of diplomatic tit-for-tat in international relations. Many countries have successfully nationalized strategic sectors, including telecommunications, to assert sovereignty and protect national interests. For instance, in 2008, Bolivia nationalized its leading telecommunications company, Entel (previously owned by Telecom Italia), as part of broader resource and strategic sector reforms under President Evo Morales. This move allowed the government to regain control over critical infrastructure, expand access in underserved areas, and redirect revenues toward social programs, contributing to economic stability in key sectors despite ongoing challenges.

A compelling African example is Ethio Telecom in Ethiopia, which remains predominantly state-owned. It has demonstrated strong performance, reporting significant revenue growth (e.g., a 20% rise in half-year revenue to over US$633 million in one period) while successfully launching Telebirr, a mobile money service that reached millions of subscribers. Even as Ethiopia liberalized the market by allowing private entrants like Safaricom, the state-owned operator continues to drive digital inclusion, generate substantial government revenue (often described as a “cash cow”), and support national development goals. This shows that competent local management under national ownership can deliver results in complex telecom environments.

Further afield, China’s major state-owned telecom operators, such as China Mobile, have achieved global scale and technological leadership while advancing national strategic objectives like widespread broadband access and digital economy growth. These examples illustrate that nationalization, when paired with competent local expertise and clear governance, can transform strategic assets into engines of sovereignty and development rather than perpetual outflows.

Nigeria is blessed with many capable and competent professionals, engineers, managers, and executives,who can navigate the complexities of MTNN once the nationalization act is passed.

To lead the post-transition phase of a nationalized MTNN, we can leverage the expertise of prominent Nigerian corporate leaders, including Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, Emmanuel Nnorom, Femi Otedola, and Abdul Samad Rabiu.
Retaining and empowering local talent would ensure operational continuity and improved service delivery aligned with national priorities.

As a matter of urgency, Nigeria should sever all diplomatic relations with the xenophobic Republic of South Africa. This would serve as a strong deterrent to any ungrateful nation on the continent. Instead, we should build deeper diplomatic and economic ties with willing African partners who respect mutual sovereignty and historical solidarity.

Additionally, the non-profitable operations of Access Bank’s foreign entity in South Africa should be discontinued to align with this assertive posture.

Nationalizing MTNN is not merely retaliatory; it is a strategic imperative to reclaim economic sovereignty, stem capital flight, and redirect telecom revenues toward Nigeria’s development.

Historical precedents from Bolivia, Ethiopia, and China demonstrate that such bold steps, executed with expertise and foresight, can yield long-term benefits for the nation. The time for decisive action is now.

I anticipated this next foolishness and I made a thread before hand which one of the obidient mods has since deleted.

Ok let's natinalize MTN


That means the entire management staff will have to be replaced with a govt appointed board of directors that will have to accommodate for Federal Character and which will surely see to creation of more directorates so that Federal character must be achieved.

Congrats! You now have an over bloated managerial board filled with political appointees that were picked not because of competency but their closeness to the corridors of power.

Next thing is that every new appointed director and the new MD of MTN will now want to get their friends , relatives employment into the new Nationalized MTN.

Don't forget that other political figures including governors, senators, etc will want to have their own people employed in the new MTN.

Congrats! You now have an overbloated work force of equally mediocre and useless employees who do next to nothing .

What this means now is that MTN Nigeria will be saddled with higher operational cost in terms of wages and emoluments.

Note also that the new board of directors will also need to look the part and so money will be set aside to procure at least 3 vehicles for each director while General managers will get at least a brand new official vehicle complete with driver and an overhead cost for fueling and maintaining the vehicle. Also remember that they will be needing accomodation to match their new status which will be paid for from MTN Nigeria's accounts.

Then there's also the need to attend useless overseas training programs and seminars for both directors and staff . MTN Nigeria will then foot the bill alongside that of the Perm Secretary , Minister of Comms and directors from the ministry who will demand they be included on the jamboree all expense paid seminar and training course.

Congrats! Overhead cost has now exploded.

Now remember we had a competency crisis already by the employment that followed nationalising MTN Nigeria ?

Well MTN Nigeria will now have to employ expats to carry out the job that the new staff can't do.

Congrats! Cost of maintainance has now spiked because those expats will be billing MTN Nigeria for both remote and on the spot jobs.

Then what is a good national public entity without contracts ?

MTN Nigeria will have to accommodate politicians by giving out contracts at 700% the cost for an item or project they probably never needed in the first place.

Congrats! MTN Nigeria is now facing serious insolvency issues due to wasteful contracts.

Next step is to approach the money markets to keep MTN floating and when they default , they go to the FG begging for bailout .

Note that there's no more tax revenue as was the case with the previous MTN .

Now govt is spending money to maintain a money pit.

Congrats! You will now be having network glitches that last days because MTN Nigeria could not pay mast owners and so they have been cut off


Then after 3ys , a govt will come and see this as stupid and will hand MTN Nigeria to the Undertakers in NDIC to liquidate MTN .

By then, not one foreign investor will be willing to buy MTN Nigeria or even partner with anyone willing to buy the scrap heap that it has become because they remember how a thriving MTN under private ownership was arbitrarily taken over due to a diplomatic issue involving the parent company's nation of origin .

So what have you achieved with this nationalization of MTN?

Well you have;

1. Succeeded in destroying one of the very few companies that paid the highest taxes to the national coffers(MTN paid over #870bn in taxes and levies in 2025).

2. You have setback Nigeria's tech and communication industry by at least 30ys.

3. You have destroyed any confidence of foreign investors in Nigeria .

Congrats!

Mankind2024:
Xenophobia is one of the worst crimes against Black Africans. It is time to sever all diplomatic ties with South Africa.

No we are not going to severe ties with SA over the plight of Nigerian drug cartels that have made SA their hub.

Mankind2024:
Xenophobia is one of the worst crimes against Black Africans. It is time to sever all diplomatic ties with South Africa.

oga stop your bullshit, the energy u will use in dealing with south Africans use it to warn your people from doing crime.

Why are we Nigerians always trying to be mischievous?

So south Africans are complaining about drugs Nigerians bring into their country n we Nigerians are pretending as if we don't know what they are saying.

So if u deal with mtn now because it belongs to south Africa

What will u do to
Cambodia
India
Bangladesh
Ghana
China
Kenya

And all other places Nigerians mess up with drugs, if we Nigerians won't stop drug crimes, virtually all countries in the world will become xenophobic to us

Na MTN pursue Una from SA? Every time MTN, is MTN owned by the SA government?

BATified2023:
oga stop your bullshit, the energy u will use in dealing with south Africans use it to warn your people from doing crime.

Why are we Nigerians always trying to be mischievous?

So south Africans are complaining about drugs Nigerians bring into their country n we Nigerians are pretending as if we don't know what they are saying.

So if u deal with mtn now because it belongs to south Africa

What will u do to
Cambodia
India
Bangladesh
Ghana
China
Kenya

And all other places Nigerians mess up with drugs, if we Nigerians won't stop drug crimes, virtually all countries in the world will become xenophobic to us

They want Nigerians to mount pressure on SA govt by threatening to kick out or nationalize SA private owned companies that are contributing positively to our economy and society all because SA has demanded that their drug cartels vacate their country .

Do you know that South Africa is the most lucrative and easiest country to be a drug dealer owing to that country's very lax crime laws against drug dealing?

Where on the planet will they go to enjoy so much unrestrained drug peddling ?

Nigerians should not be deceived by these people .

And yes, the set of Nigerians engaging in nefarious drug activities in SA have the full support of their communities back home because they are seem as the major bread winners.

Jakarta:
Na MTN pursue Una from SA? Every time MTN, is MTN owned by the SA government?

It is the drug cartel and their beneficiaries that are pushing this senseless attacks on SA private owned companies in a bid to get SA govt to rescinde their eviction notice.

Where on this earth can they sell drugs on the streets with such impunity and still insult the sensibilities of their hosts by calling them lazy?

If the Federal Government of Nigeria were to nationalize MTN Nigeria (MTNN) while still allowing it to operate as a professionally managed, commercially driven, publicly listed company (similar to many Nigeria-owned enterprises that remain listed on the NGX), then the proponents of nationalization could argue the following potential advantages:

1. Retention of Profits Within Nigeria
A larger share of dividends and profits would accrue to the Nigerian government and Nigerian shareholders, rather than being remitted to foreign parent companies.
2. Increased Government Revenue
Annual dividends from MTNN could become a significant source of non-oil revenue, helping to fund infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security.
Improved National Security.

3. Telecommunications infrastructure is considered strategic. Greater Nigerians ownership could provide stronger oversight of critical communications infrastructure during emergencies.

4. Support for Digital Sovereignty
National ownership could strengthen Nigeria's control over sensitive telecommunications infrastructure, data governance, and digital transformation initiatives.

5. Reinvestment in Local Infrastructure
Profits could be prioritized for expanding broadband, rural connectivity, and 5G deployment instead of maximizing foreign shareholder returns.

6. Foreign Exchange Conservation
Reduced dividend remittances abroad could lessen demand for foreign exchange, potentially easing pressure on Nigeria's foreign reserves.

7. Development of Local Capital Markets
If MTNN remained listed on the Nigerian Exchange, Nigerians could continue investing while Nigerians
maintained majority ownership, supporting the domestic capital market.

8. Alignment with National Development Goals
The company could more closely support government initiatives such as digital inclusion, financial inclusion, e-learning, and e-government services.

9. Greater Local Procurement and Employment.
A nationally owned MTNN might place greater emphasis on sourcing goods and services from Nigerian businesses and creating local employment opportunities.

10. Long-Term Strategic Planning
Instead of focusing primarily on quarterly earnings, the company could make investments with longer payback periods that support Nigeria's long-term economic development.

FSBoperator:
I anticipated this next foolishness and I made a thread before hand which one of the obidient mods has since deleted.

Ok let's natinalize MTN


That means the entire management staff will have to be replaced with a govt appointed board of directors that will have to accommodate for Federal Character and which will surely see to creation of more directorates so that Federal character must be achieved.

Congrats! You now have an over bloated managerial board filled with political appointees that were picked not because of competency but their closeness to the corridors of power.

Next thing is that every new appointed director and the new MD of MTN will now want to get their friends , relatives employment into the new Nationalized MTN.

Don't forget that other political figures including governors, senators, etc will want to have their own people employed in the new MTN.

Congrats! You now have an overbloated work force of equally mediocre and useless employees who do next to nothing .

What this means now is that MTN Nigeria will be saddled with higher operational cost in terms of wages and emoluments.

Note also that the new board of directors will also need to look the part and so money will be set aside to procure at least 3 vehicles for each director while General managers will get at least a brand new official vehicle complete with driver and an overhead cost for fueling and maintaining the vehicle. Also remember that they will be needing accomodation to match their new status which will be paid for from MTN Nigeria's accounts.

Then there's also the need to attend useless overseas training programs and seminars for both directors and staff . MTN Nigeria will then foot the bill alongside that of the Perm Secretary , Minister of Comms and directors from the ministry who will demand they be included on the jamboree all expense paid seminar and training course.

Congrats! Overhead cost has now exploded.

Now remember we had a competency crisis already by the employment that followed nationalising MTN Nigeria ?

Well MTN Nigeria will now have to employ expats to carry out the job that the new staff can't do.

Congrats! Cost of maintainance has now spiked because those expats will be billing MTN Nigeria for both remote and on the spot jobs.

Then what is a good national public entity without contracts ?

MTN Nigeria will have to accommodate politicians by giving out contracts at 700% the cost for an item or project they probably never needed in the first place.

Congrats! MTN Nigeria is now facing serious insolvency issues due to wasteful contracts.

Next step is to approach the money markets to keep MTN floating and when they default , they go to the FG begging for bailout .

Note that there's no more tax revenue as was the case with the previous MTN .

Now govt is spending money to maintain a money pit.

Congrats! You will now be having network glitches that last days because MTN Nigeria could not pay mast owners and so they have been cut off


Then after 3ys , a govt will come and see this as stupid and will hand MTN Nigeria to the Undertakers in NDIC to liquidate MTN .

By then, not one foreign investor will be willing to buy MTN Nigeria or even partner with anyone willing to buy the scrap heap that it has become because they remember how a thriving MTN under private ownership was arbitrarily taken over due to a diplomatic issue involving the parent company's nation of origin .

So what have you achieved with this nationalization of MTN?

Well you have;

1. Succeeded in destroying one of the very few companies that paid the highest taxes to the national coffers(MTN paid over #870bn in taxes and levies in 2025).

2. You have setback Nigeria's tech and communication industry by at least 30ys.

3. You have destroyed any confidence of foreign investors in Nigeria .

Congrats!

BATified2023:
oga stop your bullshit, the energy u will use in dealing with south Africans use it to warn your people from doing crime.

Why are we Nigerians always trying to be mischievous?

So south Africans are complaining about drugs Nigerians bring into their country n we Nigerians are pretending as if we don't know what they are saying.

So if u deal with mtn now because it belongs to south Africa

What will u do to
Cambodia
India
Bangladesh
Ghana
China
Kenya

And all other places Nigerians mess up with drugs, if we Nigerians won't stop drug crimes, virtually all countries in the world will become xenophobic to us

Let me search for the videos of this same set of people attacking Nigerian embassies in both Thailand and Indonesia .

A mob led by one of them being a prominent drug lord and an exconvict attacked the Nigerian embassy and the ambassador to Thailand over election dispute over who will become the head of the Nigerian community in Thailand .

The ambassador had ruled out the drug lord participating in the elections that was to be held on the grounds of the Nigerian embassy.

The drug lord stormed the embassy with his drug thugs and they started vandalizing the embassy and attempted to beat up the ambassador.

A Thai police officer attached to Nigeria's embassy was just watching the disgrace that was unfolding .

In Indonesia, these same people stormed the Nigerian embassy in Indonesia and began ransacking and vandalizing the place .

Their reason was because they felt the ambassador had not done enough to ensure that two Indonesians who beat up one of their fellow mannerless thugs to death were not arrested.

It is these set of people you want us to severe ties with other countries for ?

A set of people who do not even respect our embassies and ambassadors and are the ones insulting Nigeria all over the internet?

Mankind2024:
If the Federal Government of Nigeria were to nationalize MTN Nigeria (MTNN) while still allowing it to operate as a professionally managed, commercially driven, publicly listed company (similar to many Nigeria-owned enterprises that remain listed on the NGX), then the proponents of nationalization could argue the following potential advantages:

1. Retention of Profits Within Nigeria
A larger share of dividends and profits would accrue to the Nigerian government and Nigerian shareholders, rather than being remitted to foreign parent companies.
2. Increased Government Revenue
Annual dividends from MTNN could become a significant source of non-oil revenue, helping to fund infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security.
Improved National Security.

3. Telecommunications infrastructure is considered strategic. Greater Nigerians ownership could provide stronger oversight of critical communications infrastructure during emergencies.

4. Support for Digital Sovereignty
National ownership could strengthen Nigeria's control over sensitive telecommunications infrastructure, data governance, and digital transformation initiatives.

5. Reinvestment in Local Infrastructure
Profits could be prioritized for expanding broadband, rural connectivity, and 5G deployment instead of maximizing foreign shareholder returns.

6. Foreign Exchange Conservation
Reduced dividend remittances abroad could lessen demand for foreign exchange, potentially easing pressure on Nigeria's foreign reserves.

7. Development of Local Capital Markets
If MTNN remained listed on the Nigerian Exchange, Nigerians could continue investing while Nigerians
maintained majority ownership, supporting the domestic capital market.

8. Alignment with National Development Goals
The company could more closely support government initiatives such as digital inclusion, financial inclusion, e-learning, and e-government services.

9. Greater Local Procurement and Employment.
A nationally owned MTNN might place greater emphasis on sourcing goods and services from Nigerian businesses and creating local employment opportunities.

10. Long-Term Strategic Planning
Instead of focusing primarily on quarterly earnings, the company could make investments with longer payback periods that support Nigeria's long-term economic development.

Pls, keep your foolishness to yourself.

We tried nationalization in the 70s through till the 90s and all it gave us was corruption .

And I don't care how South Africans treat criminals and drug dealers destroying their country.

I am not going to side with criminals anywhere on the planet because I am unfortunate to share a passport with them.

On the issue of drug peddling and trafficking, it is within the constitutional authority of any country to investigate, prosecute, and punish offenders. This should not be misconstrued as "giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it."
My position remains unchanged: "Xenophobia is one of the worst crimes against Black Africans. It is time to sever all diplomatic ties with South Africa."

FSBoperator:
It is the drug cartel and their beneficiaries that are pushing this senseless attacks on SA private owned companies in a bid to get SA govt to rescinde their eviction notice.

Where on this earth can they sell drugs on the streets with such impunity and still insult the sensibilities of their hosts by calling them lazy?

Your response relies more on insults than facts. Calling someone "foolish" does not invalidate their argument.

First, I am a proud, full-blooded Ijebu man. I have no genetic relationship with the Igbo ethnicity, so don't drag ethnicity into a debate that is about economics and national interest.

Second, supporting the fight against drug trafficking does not mean supporting xenophobia. Any criminal, regardless of nationality, should be prosecuted according to the law. However, collective punishment, mob violence, and attacks on innocent Black Africans are unacceptable and deserve condemnation.

Third, I support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his re-election. Supporting this government also means supporting policies that protect Nigeria's economic sovereignty.

Now, let's discuss MTNN. Are you aware that there was a period when MTN imported recharge cards into Nigeria, placing additional pressure on our foreign exchange?
Are you aware of the long-running controversies over the illegal repatriation of billions of dollars from Nigeria by MTN?

Are you also aware that South African companies repatriate substantial dividends from Nigeria every year to benefit their shareholders and pension funds while Nigeria continues to run a significant trade imbalance with Xenophobic Republic of South Africa?

If you disagree with nationalization, present an economic argument. Don't substitute insults for evidence. Mature debates are won with facts, not abuse.

FSBoperator:
Pls, keep your foolishness to yourself.

We tried nationalization in the 70s through till the 90s and all it gave us was corruption .

And I don't care how South Africans treat criminals and drug dealers destroying their country.

I am not going to side with criminals anywhere on the planet because I am unfortunate to share a passport with them.

Mankind2024:
On the issue of drug peddling and trafficking, it is within the constitutional authority of any country to investigate, prosecute, and punish offenders. This should not be misconstrued as "giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it."
My position remains unchanged: "Xenophobia is one of the worst crimes against Black Africans. It is time to sever all diplomatic ties with South Africa."

Severe ties because South Africans have had enough of those drug dealers who have been soiling our name in South Africa .

Hear yourself abeg.

We should get rid of MTN that creates employment and has helped develop our emerging tech industry by no small measure and who pay huge taxes and revenues because some drug dealers are not willing to stop their ways or leave South Africa .

Hear yourself abeg.

Mankind2024:
Your response relies more on insults than facts. Calling someone "foolish" does not invalidate their argument.

First, I am a proud, full-blooded Ijebu man. I have no genetic relationship with the Igbo ethnicity, so don't drag ethnicity into a debate that is about economics and national interest.

Second, supporting the fight against drug trafficking does not mean supporting xenophobia. Any criminal, regardless of nationality, should be prosecuted according to the law. However, collective punishment, mob violence, and attacks on innocent Black Africans are unacceptable and deserve condemnation.

Third, I support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his re-election. Supporting this government also means supporting policies that protect Nigeria's economic sovereignty.

Now, let's discuss MTNN. Are you aware that there was a period when MTN imported recharge cards into Nigeria, placing additional pressure on our foreign exchange?
Are you aware of the long-running controversies over the illegal repatriation of billions of dollars from Nigeria by MTN?

Are you also aware that South African companies repatriate substantial dividends from Nigeria every year to benefit their shareholders and pension funds while Nigeria continues to run a significant trade imbalance with Xenophobic Republic of South Africa?

If you disagree with nationalization, present an economic argument. Don't substitute insults for evidence. Mature debates are won with facts, not abuse.

Rubbish as usual.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMqh3YsXgXU

Watch and see the so-called Nigerians that attacked their own embassy in Indonesia in 2020.

Is it this lawless mannerless people you want us to severe trade and diplomatic relations over with SA?

Mankind2024:
Why the Federal Government of Nigeria Must Nationalize MTNN

It is no longer news that the ANC-led ruling xenophobic government of South Africa has crossed the Rubicon, stirring honest resentment across the continent. The immense contributions of Nigerians, our parents and grandparents, in supporting the liberation of black South Africans from the clutches of apartheid have seemingly been consigned to the dustbin of history.

Many celebrated and renowned Nigerian musicians recorded several albums and songs in support of freedom for the xenophobic nation.

The late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti released an album titled Beast of No Nation. Kollington Ayinla sang a track in honour of Nelson Mandela, while Wasiu Ayinde performed a song for African leaders. There were also many other celebratory songs and events marking the freedom of the oppressed, who were often referred to as slaves during that era.
A Yoruba adage says: “Everyone suffers collective punishment once a slave is made a king.” This is what we are seeing in Xenophobic South Africa today.

Nigerians born in the 1960s-70s and beyond carry a clearer, more personal narrative of this solidarity. In my growing-up years, after the morning assembly, the next memory verse we recited daily before learning activities commenced was: “Apartheid is a crime against humanity, free Mandela.”

This same arrogant and ungrateful xenophobic posture has seen South Africa label Nigeria a drug-peddling nation and subject Nigerians living there to collective punishment. In response to this brief narrative, which has already become a global viral event, I call upon the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately set up a panel of experts to commence the nationalization of MTN Nigeria (MTNN) and separate the entity from its South African parent company.

I recall vividly when the parent company of MTNN illegally repatriated billions of dollars, amounts reportedly twice Nigeria’s national foreign reserves at the time, through a consortium of banks. This issue was diplomatically resolved during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. At that time, the government could have confiscated the entire assets of MTNN, but it refrained for fear of sending a negative signal to foreign investors, whom Nigeria desperately needed.

Such an action would not be the first instance of diplomatic tit-for-tat in international relations. Many countries have successfully nationalized strategic sectors, including telecommunications, to assert sovereignty and protect national interests. For instance, in 2008, Bolivia nationalized its leading telecommunications company, Entel (previously owned by Telecom Italia), as part of broader resource and strategic sector reforms under President Evo Morales. This move allowed the government to regain control over critical infrastructure, expand access in underserved areas, and redirect revenues toward social programs, contributing to economic stability in key sectors despite ongoing challenges.

A compelling African example is Ethio Telecom in Ethiopia, which remains predominantly state-owned. It has demonstrated strong performance, reporting significant revenue growth (e.g., a 20% rise in half-year revenue to over US$633 million in one period) while successfully launching Telebirr, a mobile money service that reached millions of subscribers. Even as Ethiopia liberalized the market by allowing private entrants like Safaricom, the state-owned operator continues to drive digital inclusion, generate substantial government revenue (often described as a “cash cow”), and support national development goals. This shows that competent local management under national ownership can deliver results in complex telecom environments.

Further afield, China’s major state-owned telecom operators, such as China Mobile, have achieved global scale and technological leadership while advancing national strategic objectives like widespread broadband access and digital economy growth. These examples illustrate that nationalization, when paired with competent local expertise and clear governance, can transform strategic assets into engines of sovereignty and development rather than perpetual outflows.

Nigeria is blessed with many capable and competent professionals, engineers, managers, and executives,who can navigate the complexities of MTNN once the nationalization act is passed.

To lead the post-transition phase of a nationalized MTNN, we can leverage the expertise of prominent Nigerian corporate leaders, including Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, Emmanuel Nnorom, Femi Otedola, and Abdul Samad Rabiu.
Retaining and empowering local talent would ensure operational continuity and improved service delivery aligned with national priorities.

As a matter of urgency, Nigeria should sever all diplomatic relations with the xenophobic Republic of South Africa. This would serve as a strong deterrent to any ungrateful nation on the continent. Instead, we should build deeper diplomatic and economic ties with willing African partners who respect mutual sovereignty and historical solidarity.

Additionally, the non-profitable operations of Access Bank’s foreign entity in South Africa should be discontinued to align with this assertive posture.

Nationalizing MTNN is not merely retaliatory; it is a strategic imperative to reclaim economic sovereignty, stem capital flight, and redirect telecom revenues toward Nigeria’s development.

Historical precedents from Bolivia, Ethiopia, and China demonstrate that such bold steps, executed with expertise and foresight, can yield long-term benefits for the nation. The time for decisive action is now.
Xenophobia is one of the worst crimes against Black Africans. It is time to sever all diplomatic ties with South Africa."

I totally disagree