…Seeks more collaboration on job creation
THE Federal Government has restated that it has nothing personal against MTN Nigeria with respect to the fine imposed on it by the NCC. This was as it also commended the company on its contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) since inception in 2001.
Speaking during his working visit to the head office of MTN Nigeria, the Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, said the Federal Government would do everything possible to encourage and develop innovative ideas from MTN Nigeria and other telecommunication companies in the country to grow the economy.
According to him, “there is no doubt that over the last couple of months, we have had issues; those issues are normal in relationships like this. I want to assure you that the Nigerian government has nothing personal against MTN.”
He further stated that, “as a matter of fact, as a person, I consider MTN as first and foremost a Nigerian company. It is a Nigerian company in the sense that it is registered in Nigeria like any other company. In fact, the government appreciates the contributions MTN Nigeria is making to the GDP by generating employment and putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians.
“I believe that MTN appreciates the fact that Nigerians love it. More than half of people who patronise GSM operators in Nigeria are your customers and I think that is an appreciation which must be acknowledged.”
With respect to MTN Nigeria’s investment in the economy, Shittu said, “MTN has made a lot of stride, pioneering efforts, if I may say, in regards to investment and liberating Nigerians. As it were, time was when if you have to phone a relation, you will go to NITEL, queue up for several minutes and pay through your nose for a minute or two. But with the coming of MTN and GSM, things have become wonderful.”
Recall that MTN Nigeria recently paid a sum of N50 billion to the Federal Government in good faith in respect of the fine imposed by the Nigeria Communications Commission.
The company, upon payment of the amount, reiterated its commitment to continue conducting its businesses within the frontiers of the laws and regulations guiding its operations.
MTN also reiterated its commitment to Nigeria’s national security and human capital development as it places an unquantifiable premium on lives of Nigerians with its effort at complying with the SIM registration exercise.
Meanwhile, the Minister has charged the company to also support the Federal Government’s quest to create hubs and incubation centres that cater for youth development.
“We are trying to establish new hubs and incubation centres across Nigeria. Because these hubs are not sustainable by themselves, I believe MTN as a leading service provider must be ready to invest. You will be doing a lot of good to the downtrodden, the people who are still aspiring to acquire knowledge, wisdom and professionalism particularly because IT is involved.