Oshiomhole Sparks Heated TV Clash With Rufai Oseni Over Proposal to Nationalise MTN and South African Firms

A fiery television interview on Tuesday escalated into a sharp exchange after Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Arise News anchor Rufai Oseni clashed over proposals to nationalise South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria, including telecom giant MTN Group.

The Edo North senator argued that Nigeria should consider taking control of South African businesses in response to alleged killings of Nigerians in South Africa. He maintained that such a move would protect citizens and prevent profit repatriation abroad.

Oshiomhole referenced MTN’s listing on the stock exchange, insisting that Nigerian investors already hold significant stakes and could potentially assume greater control of the company if restructured. His comments immediately triggered pushback during the interview.

Rufai Oseni challenged the senator’s position, warning that arbitrary nationalisation could damage investor confidence. He questioned how Nigeria could attract foreign direct investment while simultaneously advocating for the seizure of foreign-owned assets.

The debate intensified as Oseni pressed further, suggesting that retaliatory economic policies could undermine Nigeria’s broader investment climate. Oshiomhole, however, stood his ground, arguing that human life and national dignity should take precedence over capital inflows.

The senator further accused South Africa of allowing rising unemployment to fuel hostility toward foreigners, claiming that such conditions had contributed to tensions affecting other Africans in the country.

He insisted Nigeria must not prioritise investors “who choose wealth over human life,” stressing that government policy should reflect national interest and security concerns above all else.

The exchange has since sparked wider reactions online, with analysts divided over whether Oshiomhole’s proposal reflects economic nationalism or risks destabilising Nigeria’s investment reputation.