MTN Nigeria, Monday, charged the South African government to provide strong measures against the spread of the current xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other nationals in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa.

The company, at a press conference said it was as concerned as other Nigerians over what is happening in South Africa at the moment and condemns the attacks in very strong terms.

Corporate Service Executive of the company, Mr Akinwale Goodluck, however, condemned calls and suggestions on social media for Nigerians to boycott or attack South African businesses in Nigeria, saying that reprisal attacks could not be a better alternative since the South African attacks was not state sponsored, but from a small group of South Africans that are aggrieved about some issues in their country.

Goodluck reminded that MTN Nigeria is a Nigerian company with 99 per cent of work forces made up of Nigerians, though the company has South African roots.

He also hinted that the MTN Group would announce financial assistance for victims of the attacks and displaced foreign nationals, who are now gathered at the Transit Park in South Africa for safety purposes.

He said the assistance would cover temporary accommodation, foods, beddings and blankets, medicals among others.
“There should be no cause for revenge in Nigeria. We are confident that the South African government will deal with the matter, which they have been able to bring under control in the last few days”, he stated.

Goodluck confirmed that there were peace protests to their offices in Abuja and Benin, yesterday, on the issue, which he said they have been able to manage effectively.

He appealed to Nigerians to shun any act of violence, promising that MTN and indeed all South African affiliated businesses in the country are working to ensure that the problem is put under control.

He warned that any violent attack on the telecommunications firm would have spiral effects on other sectors of the economy, which depends on ICT and telecommunications facilities to thrive.