“We Belong to Nigeria Too” – MTN Nigeria CEO Reassures Nigerians Amid Rising Xenophobia Concerns

• MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola has said the telecom company belongs to Nigerians and should not be seen as exclusively South African amid growing xenophobia-related tensions.
• His comments sparked debate online, with some Nigerians defending the company’s role in the country’s economy, while others used the opportunity to criticize its services and pricing.

Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, has stated that MTN Nigeria belongs to Nigerians and should not be viewed solely as a South African company, amid rising tensions over reported xenophobic attacks involving Nigerians in South Africa.

Speaking on the issue, Toriola emphasized that MTN Nigeria is deeply embedded in Nigeria’s economy and is owned by Nigerians as well as other investors.

“MTN Nigeria belongs to Nigerians, not South Africa alone.”

His remarks come as calls for retaliation against South African-owned businesses have surfaced online following renewed reports of attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.

The CEO’s statement has since generated mixed reactions on social media. While some users agreed that businesses should not become casualties of diplomatic disputes, others criticized MTN over the quality of its services and questioned where the company’s profits ultimately go.

Reactions

@zatas70: “Yet he keeps draining us of our hard earned money while giving us poor data network.”

@KyleBillionz1: “Nigerians in South Africa are people’s family too.”

@BulusPaul9: “When the time is tough you come with enticing statement, where’s the profit going?”

@sadiq_wush: “See this one. It’s because his cashing bout here steady na why.”

@EmmzyArt: “I don sha switch my line o! Nah GLO I dey use now! Fuvk them!!”

@Kenwithgrace: “The guy dey fear, don’t worry, we are more mature here in Nigeria, no shaking at all, put your mind at rest.”

@Warick_Truth: “But you are dealing with us in the name of monthly data subscription, which is not lasting for 4 days.”

@theoojat: “It’s okay sir. Thanks for the information.”

@enney4real: “Businesses should not become targets during diplomatic or political tensions. Protecting lives, jobs, and investments benefits both countries far more than retaliation.”

@enney4real: “That is a timely reminder. Whatever the ownership structure, MTN Nigeria employs thousands of Nigerians, serves millions of customers, and is deeply rooted in Nigeria’s economy.”

@OkonkwoDavidC1: “Who still dey use MTN kwanu.”

@Onyimuna2023: “You are right, sir.”