MTN Nigeria has refuted reports that top official in the presidency took a payment ‘from operators of MTN’ towards reducing the fine imposed on it by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) for default in SIM card deactivation order.
In a statement just made available, MTN Nigeria CEO Ferdi Moolman, has denied the allegation. The telecommunication boss however stated that it had finally settled matters with the federal government and the industry regulator on the fine issue.
The statement reads; “MTN’s attention has been drawn to an online report alleging that a top official in the Presidency took a payment ‘from operators of MTN’ towards reducing the fine.
MTN Nigeria has no knowledge of this and the allegation is therefore denied. The MTN Nigeria fine was ultimately settled with the NCC.”
Meanwhile it appeared the telecommunication operator still has lots to clear as the senate has decided to investigate MTN Nigeria for allegedly taking out $12 billion from the country’s economy within 10 years.
The senate took the decision after Dino Melaye, lawmaker representing Kogi west senatorial district, moved a motion at plenary on Thursday.
While moving the motion, Melaye alleged that between 2006 and 2016, MTN used four Nigerian banks and a then serving minister to move the said sum out of the country.
“My respected colleagues, MTN Nigeria paid a sum of $284.9 million on the 6th of February, 2001 to purchase their licence of operations in this country,” he said.
“Between 2006 and 2016, through four Nigerian banks and a serving minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, MTN moved over $12 billion out of Nigeria. That is about half of our external reserves.
“If I get the nod of the senate I will want to bring a substantive motion on the next legislative day with substantiated facts to buttress this position.”
