Xenophobia: Youth Group Issues Picketing Notice to MTN Nigeria

MTN Nigeria Communications PLC

Xenophobia: Youth Group Issues Picketing Notice to MTN Nigeria

The apex Yoruba youth organisation, Oodua Youth Coalition (OYC) , has officially served a notice of intention to picket the offices of telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria over the company’s alleged failure to condemn the ongoing xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. This decision follows the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum demanding that the South African-linked company publicly denounce the violence targeting Nigerians in South Africa. The group stated that previous correspondence and direct appeals to the telecom firm had been completely ignored, a response they termed “unacceptable” for an entity reaping immense financial patronage from the Nigerian populace. The coalition confirmed that relevant Nigerian security agencies and the South African diplomatic mission in Nigeria have already been notified of the impending action, though a specific date for the picketing has not yet been announced.

In a statement jointly signed by OYC Vice President, Olatunji Adejuwon, and National Secretary, Olaoye Abolaji, the coalition expressed deep disappointment over MTN Nigeria’s continued silence on the xenophobic violence. The group described the company’s failure to respond as unacceptable, given its South African roots and the patronage it enjoys from millions of Nigerians. “This silence is unacceptable, particularly for a corporate entity whose roots are closely connected to South Africa while enjoying immense patronage and goodwill from the Nigerian people,” the statement read. The OYC emphasised that the planned picketing is aimed at enforcing corporate social responsibility and compelling the company to show moral leadership in condemning acts of xenophobia against fellow Africans. The coalition said it would proceed with a peaceful protest if the telecommunications company continued to ignore its demands, stressing that the demonstration would remain orderly and strictly within the confines of Nigerian law.

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To resolve the impasse, the coalition demands that MTN Nigeria immediately convene a joint press conference with OYC representatives to unequivocally denounce the violence and reaffirm its commitment to the dignity and safety of all Africans. “We once again call on MTN Nigeria to immediately convene a press conference, with representatives of the Oodua Youth Coalition in attendance, to unequivocally condemn the xenophobic attacks and reaffirm its commitment to the safety, dignity and unity of all Africans,” the statement read. The group maintained that the proposed protest would be peaceful, orderly and in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. According to the coalition, relevant security agencies have been notified of the planned action, while appropriate communications have also been sent to the South African diplomatic mission in Nigeria. The group also assured the public that the demonstration would not disrupt business activities unduly but would serve as a symbolic expression of discontent over the company’s perceived indifference to the suffering of Nigerians in South Africa.

The development comes despite comments by MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola, who recently condemned all forms of xenophobia and violence against Africans living in South Africa. Speaking on TVC News’ Beyond the Headlines, Toriola said that although MTN was founded in South Africa, over 11 million Nigerians indirectly own stakes in the company through pension fund investments. “We unequivocally condemn any form of xenophobia, violence or attacks against any community in the world. We’re a Nigerian company, through and through. We’re listed on the stock exchange with over 201,000 retail investors, and 11 million people hold shares through their pension funds in MTN Nigeria,” Toriola said. He added that while the parent company is South African, its shareholder base is international, with investors from the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. Toriola stressed that MTN Nigeria remains committed to Nigeria and unequivocally condemns xenophobia, violence and attacks against any community. He also noted that the company has invested heavily in Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure and remains a key player in the country’s digital economy, contributing significantly to employment and economic growth.

The renewed calls come amid a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals residing in South Africa following the expiration of a June 30 deadline imposed by vigilante groups for foreign nationals to leave the country. The attacks have included violence, looting of foreign-owned businesses, and displacement of African immigrants from various communities across South Africa. The Nigerian Senate has strongly condemned the violence and urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts to protect Nigerians in South Africa. The Upper Chamber also rejected calls to nationalise South African-owned businesses, including MTN and DStv, in retaliation for the attacks. Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed that profits made by South African companies operating in Nigeria be used to compensate affected Nigerians if South Africa failed to do so, but the Senate declined to adopt the recommendation. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin cautioned against retaliatory measures, saying, “Nobody in this chamber is happy with what is happening in South Africa… However, we also need to exercise caution.” He emphasised that diplomatic engagement and multilateral cooperation would yield better outcomes than confrontational approaches.

The Senate directed its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora to submit a report within two weeks on actions taken to address the attacks and recommendations for further intervention. The Federal Government has been evacuating Nigerian nationals from South Africa as part of ongoing efforts to repatriate citizens affected by the violence. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also summoned the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria to register Nigeria’s strong displeasure over the attacks and demand urgent action to protect Nigerian citizens and their businesses. The OYC’s action represents a growing trend of civil society organisations and youth groups taking a more assertive stance on issues affecting Nigerians abroad, particularly when diplomatic efforts appear insufficient to address the grievances of citizens. The group’s decision to target MTN Nigeria reflects a broader strategy of leveraging economic pressure to compel corporate entities to take moral positions on issues of continental significance, a tactic that has been employed in previous instances of xenophobic violence against Nigerians.