FG commend MTN Nigeria contribution to GDP!
The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended MTN Nigeria on its impressive contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) since its inception in 2004. Speaking during his working visit to the Head Office of MTN Nigeria on Monday, the Honourable Minister for Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu said the federal government will do everything possible to encourage and develop innovative ideas from MTN Nigeria and indeed other telecommunication companies in Nigeria.
“As a matter of fact, as a person, I consider MTN as first and foremost a Nigerian company. Nigerian company in the sense that it is a company registered in Nigeria like any other company. In fact, the government appreciates the contributions MTN Nigeria is making to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), generating employment and putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians” Shittu said.
Speaking on the level of investment by MTN Nigeria Shittu said “MTN has made a lot of strides, pioneering efforts if I may say in regards to investment and in liberating Nigerians. As it were, time was when if you have to phone a relation, you will go to NITEL, queue up and pay through your nose for a minute or two. But with the coming of MTN and GSM, things have been wonderful”.
On the lingering fines issue by NCC on MTN Nigeria, the Minister said “There is no doubt over the last couple of months that 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” while reassuring earlier that “my motivation for visiting companies is to do everything I can to give motivation and encouragement to companies operating in Nigeria.”
It would be recalled that MTN Nigeria recently paid a sum N50billion to the Nigeria government in good faith with regards to the fine on the company by NCC. The company upon payment of the amount reiterated its commitment to the Nigeria government and assured of conducting its business within the parameters of the laws and regulations guiding its operations. The Company also reiterated its commitment to national security and human capital development as it places an unquantifiable premium on lives of Nigerians with its reinvigorated effort at complying with the SIM registration exercise.
Stressing the value MTN has contributed, the Minister said “I believe that MTN appreciates the fact that Nigerians love MTN. More than half of people who patronize GSM operations in Nigeria are your customers and I think that is an appreciation which must be acknowledged”.
However, the Minister has promised to work in tandem with MTN Nigeria and other telecommunication companies in Nigeria to address challenges faced in the industry. “Am aware of deficiencies in broadband and some of the challenges you have mentioned. I want to assure you that we will do our best to collaborate with you to identify those things you can do very quickly and take all the needed steps to remedy the situation” Shittu assured.
