MTN Nigeria has announced that it is closing shops until further notice. This was an action taken in reaction to the xenophobic violence against Nigerians in South Africa.
The serial xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa which has caused lost of lives and properties incited a retaliatory response this time from Nigerians back home, to vandalize the South African owned companies – MTN, Multichoice (DSTV, GOTV), Shoprite. Just to mention a few.
As a result, The Nigeria division of South African telecoms company, MTN, has announced that it is closing shop until further notice.
The telco however, released a statement in that regard, condemning the acts of violence and prejudice, and reassures the public that it is committed to maintaining uninterrupted services, safety and security of customers, staff and partners.
“Over the last day, our facilities, customers and some of our stakeholders have been the subject of attacks in retaliation for the ongoing xenophobia situation in South Africa. We have confirmed reports of attacks in Lagos, Ibadan and Uyo.
“While we remain committed to providing uninterrupted services, the safety and security of our customers, staff and partners is our primary concern. All MTN stores and service centres will therefore be closed as a precaution until further notice.
“MTN condemns any acts of violence, prejudice and xenophobia and remains absolutely committed to ensuring a peaceful, harmonious and respectful relationship with all communities in Nigeria and across Africa.
“While we remain committed to providing uninterrupted services, the safety and security of our customers, staff and partners is our primary concern. All MTN stores and service centres will therefore be closed as a precaution until further notice.
“MTN condemns any acts of violence, prejudice and xenophobia and remains absolutely committed to ensuring a peaceful, harmonious and respectful relationship with all communities in Nigeria and across Africa.
“We are engaging all relevant authorities in this regard and urge them to act swiftly to reduce tensions both in South Africa and Nigeria. We will provide further updates as and when possible”, the statement from the telecom company read.
History tells that South Africans have received diverse kinds of support from Nigerians in uncountable ways since suffering apartheid.
And now there are about 120 South African businesses in Nigeria, thriving with a market worth of about #6 trillion.
