FG Considers Sanctions Against MTN, Other South African Companies

FG Considers Sanctions Against MTN, Other South African Companies
Minister warns diplomatic patience may soon run out.
Nigerians abroad face continued harassment and forced exits.

The Federal Government has indicated that it may take action against South African companies operating in Nigeria, including major telecommunications firm MTN, amid rising tensions over continued attacks and harassment of Nigerians living in South Africa.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known on Thursday while addressing growing concerns over anti-migrant violence in South Africa and the ongoing evacuation of affected Nigerians.

She said Nigeria has so far exercised restraint and continued diplomatic engagement, but warned that alternative measures could be considered if the situation does not improve.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that more than 120 South African companies currently operate in Nigeria without experiencing similar treatment being meted out to Nigerians in South Africa.

“As I indicated before, there are these huge conglomerates. By the way, there are over 120 South African companies operating in Nigeria,” she said.

“Nobody is asking them to provide proof of identity. Nobody is asking South African staff working there whether they are South Africans or Nigerians, and nobody is taking over their shops or businesses.

“But this is happening to Nigerians in South Africa. So, I think that at some point, we really have to review the options available to us.”

The minister specifically listed major South African brands operating in Nigeria, including MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic IBTC, and Protea Hotels, noting their presence across key sectors of the economy.

Despite her strong comments, she stressed that any retaliatory action would follow due process and comply with constitutional provisions and legislative oversight.

She explained that the Federal Government is still engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels, while the National Assembly would be involved if stronger measures become necessary.

“When it comes to situations like this, of course, it is necessary to be temperate and exercise caution,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also revealed that South African authorities had stepped back from a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Nigeria in October 2025 on an early warning mechanism designed to prevent and manage conflict situations.

She expressed concern over reports that Nigerians, including those married to South African citizens, are being pressured to leave the country alongside their families.

“When your citizens are being harassed, when your citizens are people who have spent years there, and mind you, some of them are married to South Africans and have children who have known no other home but South Africa, then it becomes a serious concern,” she said.