MTN and Shoprite in Nigeria aren’t shutting down permanently, but they face recurring risk of boycotts, protests, and temporary closures whenever xenophobic attacks flare up in South Africa. Their “faith” depends more on Nigerian public sentiment and government policy than on their own operations.
Situation as of 2026:
What’s happening in South Africa right now
Renewed attacks: April-May 2026 saw a wave of xenophobic violence in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town. Two Nigerians were killed in April 2026.
Groups involved:
Vigilante groups like “March and March” and Operation Dudula are organizing protests against undocumented migrants.
Nigerian response:
NiDCOM told Nigerians in SA to “close shops, stay safe” and avoid confrontations. As of May 2026, 130 Nigerians had registered for voluntary repatriation.
Diplomatic pressure:
Nigeria summoned SA’s High Commissioner and Ghana lobbied the AU. Ghana has already evacuated 300+ citizens.
Impact on MTN Nigeria
Current status: Operating normally, but under political and public pressure.
What’s happened before:
2019: After SA attacks, MTN closed stores across Nigeria “as a precaution”. 4 outlets were attacked.
2026: Senator Adams Oshiomhole called for revoking MTN’s licence and nationalizing it.
NANS announced plans to picket MTN offices.
Economic reality:
Nigeria is MTN’s biggest market – 61.5M customers, ∼ 1/3 of group profit. CPPE says MTN created thousands of jobs and contributes heavily to govt revenue.
Assessment:
Low risk of licence revocation:
It would hurt Nigerian workers and consumers more than MTN Group. FG has consistently pushed diplomacy over reprisals.
High risk of reputational damage + short shutdowns: Every SA attack triggers protests, picketing, temporary store closures.
MTN’s stance: Publicly condemns xenophobia, says “mission is to connect people”.
Impact on Shoprite Nigeria
Current status: Still operating, but targeted in reprisal attacks.
What’s happened before:
2019: Stores in Lagos, Abuja, Ogun were vandalized/looted. Shoprite closed some outlets temporarily.
2026: NANS shut down Shoprite Ota in Ogun. Fresh youth protests reported .
Shoprite’s position:
Says it employs thousands of Africans, stands against xenophobia, appeals for calm.
Assessment:
More vulnerable than MTN:
Physical retail stores are easier targets than telecom infrastructure.
Franchise model helps:
Ondo govt noted Shoprite Nigeria is a franchise – attack it and you hurt Nigerians, not SA directly.
Boycott calls resurface every time: But no mass, sustained boycott has succeeded so far.
Likely outcome
No exit from Nigeria: Both MTN and Shoprite are too embedded. Leaving would mean losing a huge market and hurting Nigerian employees.
Cyclical disruption:
Expect temporary closures, picketing, and boycott calls every time SA has a flare-up. 2026 is following the same pattern as 2015 and 2019.
Political risk rising: Calls for nationalization/revocation are louder now. If attacks worsen and SA doesn’t act, FG may face pressure to take stronger economic measures.
In conclusion,: The faith of MTN and Shoprite in Nigeria is “operational but exposed”. They’ll stay as long as Nigeria keeps choosing diplomacy over reprisals. But they’ll keep getting caught in the crossfire, and their social licence depends on how well they separate themselves from SA politics and invest in local goodwill.
– Benjamin Ibrahim writes from Lokoja, Kogi state.
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