Y’ello Handshake: MTN Desires Win-Win Partnership with Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari (M) flanked by the Minister of Communications, Dr Ali Isa Patami, Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, SGF Mr Boss Mustapha, EVC of NCC, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, MTN Group Chairman, Mr Jonas, President MTN Group Mr Robb Shuter, Chairman MTN Nigeria Mr Ernest Ndukwe, MD MTN Nigeria, Mr Ferdi Moolman and SA Special Duties to the Minister, Dr Kalli Zannah during an audience with the Minister of communications and Digital Economy and officials of MTN held at the State House, Abuja. Photo: Sunday Aghaeze. Jan. 28 2020

Africa’s largest telecommunications company, MTN has expressed its desire to enjoy a win-win relationship with the Nigerian government led by President Muhammadu Buhari, while actively seeking ways to grow the country’s economy.

President Muhammadu Buhari (M) in a handshake with the Chairman, MTN Nigeria Board, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, as the Minister of Communications, Dr Ali Isa Patami; MTN Group Chairman, MH Jonas look on during an audience with the Minister of communications and Digital Economy and officials of MTN held at the State House Abuja. Photo: Sunday Aghaeze

Speaking during a recent visit of officials of the MTN Group and MTN Nigeria to the presidential villa, Mr. Buhari said, “Our hope is for operators like MTN to continue to focus on delivering quality service at reasonable prices. If we put our minds together, such win-win positions are achievable.”

At the meeting, delegation from the MTN Group and MTN Nigeria included the Group Chairman, Mr Mcebisi Jonas; President MTN Group, Mr Robb Shuter; Chairman MTN Nigeria, Mr Ernest Ndukwe; and MTN Nigeria CEO, Mr Ferdi Moolman. They were led by Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Dr Ali Isa Pantami.

On the government side were Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; and Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta.

L-R: Chairman MTN Nigeria, Mr Ernest Ndukwe; President MTN Group, Mr Robb Shuter; MTN Group Chairman, Mr Jonas; President Muhammadu Buhari and Minister of Communications, Dr Ali Isa Patami, during an audience with the Minister of communications and Digital Economy and officials of MTN held at the State House Abuja. Photo: Sunday Aghaeze. Jan 28 2020

Pledging to invest $1.6 billion into strengthening MTN networks and telecoms systems across the country, Chairman of MTN Group, Mcebisi Jonas, told Buhari the company was “fully aligned with the strategic agenda of the government, and are committed to strengthening the digital economy of the country.”

Since their foray into the Nigerian market in 2001, MTN has paid more than N1.7 trillion in taxes, levies and other regulatory fees; over N18 billion spent through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives; over $3.5 billion worth of businesses in Nigeria’s hospitality and entertainment industry, and invested over N3.2 trillion and counting into the Nigerian economy. The company is arguably one of the top 3 investors in the Nigerian economy, providing jobs to millions of Nigerians directly and indirectly.