MTN has publicly refuted allegations that it owes Osun State N900 million in unpaid taxes. The claims were made by GTNL, a consultant for the Osun State government, which accused MTN of failing to remit taxes related to over 270 kilometers of fibre optic cables installed in the region. In response, MTN asserted its compliance with local tax laws and Right of Way fees, emphasizing its commitment to operating within legal frameworks [f4863d1f].
The controversy comes at a time when the telecom sector is facing significant challenges, as highlighted by MTN's CEO, Karl Toriola. He pointed out the ongoing crisis in the industry, which has led to calls for tariff increases to sustain operations. This situation has sparked protests from the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCIS) against the proposed hikes, indicating a growing tension between telecom operators and regulatory bodies [f4863d1f].
MTN's partnership with Odua InfraCo for a fibre cable project in Osun State has also been noted, showcasing the company's investment in infrastructure despite the ongoing tax dispute. The outcome of this situation could have broader implications for MTN's operations in Nigeria, particularly in terms of regulatory compliance and financial stability [f4863d1f].