Tag: MTN

  • MTN gifts Catholic pupils education materials in Anambra

    MTN gifts Catholic pupils education materials in Anambra

    Telecommunications network providers, MTN, has provided education materials worth millions to Saint Theresa’s Secondary School, in Anambra State

    Some of the materials are books, school bags, umbrellas and no fewer than 300 students benefitted. 

    Addressing the students, the MTN Senior Manager, Regional Operations, Southeast, Emmanuel Osumah,said it was the only way the network providers could encourage the pupils.

    He thanked the Chairman, Umuakwu Community Development Union (UCDU), Mr. Nnaeto Akpamgbo, the Principal of the school, Fr Martin Ekee, members of the school management, for the warm reception

    Osumah said: “Today, we gather for an initiative that contributes to our mission of enhancing education. 

    “At MTN Nigeria Foundation, we believe that education is the cornerstone of growth and development, and every student deserves access to the resources necessary to unlock their full potential. 

    “We are happy to present the MTNF Learning Support Material Initiative (LSMI), a program designed to empower students with essential academic tools. 

    “Our commitment is to foster an enabling environment for learning and support access to quality education. 

    “To our students, these materials are more than just supplies to support your studies; they are stepping stones toward your aspirations. 

    “Their true impact depends on how you choose to use them. Strive for excellence, and let your dedication, discipline and Focus shape your learning journey,” he said

    Rev Fr Ekee and the Chairman of the village, Nnaeto Akpamgbo, praised MTN for the largesse.

    Two of the students, Chinecherem Johnpaul, Maduka Prosper and Okpalaojiego Victor, hailed the network providers for remembering their school.

    They said it has helped some of the families that cannot provide for some of them.

  • NiMet, MTN, Tomorrow.io partner to develop digital climate advisory services system

    NiMet, MTN, Tomorrow.io partner to develop digital climate advisory services system

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with MTN and advanced weather intelligence company; Tomorrow.io to develop a Digital Climate Advisory Services (DCAS) System.

    The System is aimed at delivering location-specific and actionable weather advisories to Nigerian farmers via mobile SMS.

    The partnership which is in line with the United Nations (UN) goal of ensuring early warning systems for all, would serve the need of strengthening climate resilience in Nigeria, particularly in the agricultural sector. 

    Speaking at the MoU signing at NiMet Headquarters in Abuja, the Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike said that the overall aim of the partnership is to improve agricultural productivity and resilience by providing localized, timely weather advisories.

    He said: “This aligns with the food security agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government”

    He also said the choice of MTN and Tomorrow.io was strategic as they are leaders in their respective sectors.

    “I am excited to welcome the MTN CEO, Karl Toriola, the officials Shoyinka Shodunke (Chief Information Officer), Tobechukwu Okigbo (Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer), and the Tomorrow.io team to NiMet for this groundbreaking MoU signing that will impact not only the agricultural sector but the entire Nigerian economy. My primary objective has been to open up the space of the business of climate science to the private sector so that they will begin to understand the incredible impact of climate science.”

    Read Also: Unsafe abortions fuel maternal deaths in Nigeria, says LIFE

    Responding, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN, Karl Toriola said that MTN is always looking for ways to support government agencies and the Nigerian public in general. 

    “I am optimistic about what this partnership with NiMet and Tomorrow.io will do for the agricultural sector, emergency and disaster management, the public and the Nigerian economy as a whole. From the bottom of our hearts, we are grateful to NiMet for allowing MTN to partner with it”. 

    The Managing Director of Tomorrow.io, Dr. Henry Onyemachi thanked the DG of NiMet for his strong leadership directing the process leading to the signing of the MoU. 

    “For us at Tomorrow.io, it’s a very happy moment for us reflecting on the progressive and very focused journey which began a year ago. This is a very impactful project that we are embarking on which touches on the food security that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been harping on”, he said. 

    Under the terms of the MoU, the parties shall collaborate in the development, deployment, and testing of the DCAS platform, which will provide weather-based advisories to farmers through SMS notifications. 

  • Report: MTN leads in internet service provision

    Report: MTN leads in internet service provision

    Last year, the mobile market in Nigeria saw significant developments. The leader for this period is MTN, maintaining its position as the global winner, according to nPerf’s 2024 report. 

    This period highlighted MTN’s continued dominance as the market leader, with no new entrants taking the lead. MTN emerged as the sole leader, showing impressive advancements across various key performance indices (KPIs) and focus areas. The analysis showcased MTN’s superiority in download speed, upload speed, and latency. In the 4G focus area, MTN also stood out as the leader. These achievements underlined the positive trends and strong market dynamics.

    Between January 1 and December 31, last year, the telco led mobile internet in Nigeria across every measurable category, with great performance. Its subscribers enjoyed an average download speed of 17.82 Mbps, leaving Airtel at 9.98 Mbps and Glo at 5.66 Mbps.

    Upload speeds were similar, with MTN averaging 8.05 Mbps, Airtel 4.35 Mbps, and Glo 3.43 Mbps, showing its reliance on internet connectivity.

    Latency, an important metric for real-time apps such as video calls and gaming, further enhanced MTN’s place in the market. The network achieved an average latency of 79.44 ms, comfortably outperforming Glo’s 89.44 ms and Airtel’s 119.85 ms.

    These figures are particularly important during peak periods (6 PM to 11 PM) when the network issues are at the highest. MTN’s ability to maintain consistent latency levels during these busy hours speaks to its superior infrastructure.

    In browsing performance, MTN scored an average success rate of 36.08per cent, surpassing Airtel at 28.86per cent and Glo’s 29.42er cent.

    In video streaming, MTN recorded an average streaming success rate of 72.35 per cent, dwarfing Airtel’s 67.04per cent and Glo’s 53.81per cent. The data showed that whether in downloading, browsing, or streaming, MTN subscribers always enjoyed the best experiences during the period under nPerf’ review.

    Airtel delivered a commendable performance in specific areas, particularly video streaming. Its streaming rate, at 67.04per cent, showed a strong emphasis on delivering quality experiences in this domain.

    Its inability to match MTN’s speeds, browsing performance and latency asserted the gap between the two providers.

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    Glo, on the other hand, had steady progress during the period but slowed in download (5.66 Mbps) and upload speeds (3.43 Mbps), its performance in latency (89.44 ms) revealed some improvement in network responsiveness.

    The methodology behind nPerf’s analysis included the incorporation of millions of user-initiated tests across busy and idle hours, with the report providing an apt and transparent evaluation of network performance.

    The nPerf score, which combines download and upload speeds, latency, and QoE metrics, ensures a holistic assessment of user experience.

    In 2024, MTN’s overall nPerf score was 39,475 points, way above Airtel’s 26,513 points and Glo’s 19,684 points. These figures encapsulate the overall quality of service each provider delivered throughout the year.

    In all, MTN’s top place in 2024 was neither accidental nor marginal. Its performance across download and upload speeds, latency, and QoE can be linked to a well-rounded approach to network resilience.

     “For the period analyzed, MTN stands out as the market leader, achieving a notable performance score. Not only does MTN excel in Download speed, Upload speed, and Latency, but it also leads in Video streaming. MTN dominates the 4G focus area, reinforcing its pioneering position in the mobile technology sector. Significant improvements include a remarkable enhancement in Upload speed. MTN’s consistent contributions have greatly strengthened the overall market landscape.

     “Airtel, while not the market leader, demonstrates excellence in specific categories. With a strong performance in Browsing and Video streaming, Airtel secures its place as a key player. The operator’s contributions are vital to the market’s competitiveness, and its focus on enhancing user experience is evident.

     “Glo shows steady progress with a commendable improvement in its overall score. Although not a market leader, Glo has shown improvements in various areas, contributing positively to the market’s dynamics. The operator’s focus on enhancing connectivity and customer satisfaction is noteworthy.

     “MTN leads the market with outstanding performances, particularly in Download speed, Upload speed, and Latency, along with a focus on 4G. Airtel and Glo also contribute significantly to the market’s competitiveness. The Nigerian mobile market remains robust, with operators striving for excellence and innovation, ensuring a dynamic and competitive landscape,” nPerf said.

  • Adonu wins MTN Nigeria partners award

    Adonu wins MTN Nigeria partners award

    An MTN Nigeria partner from Enugu State, Kingsley Ifeanyi Adonu, has claimed the top prize at the 2024 MTN Nigeria Partners Award.

    According to a statement, Adonu emerged as the number one partner in airtime and data distribution across Nigeria, a monumental achievement that marks the first time a partner from the Southeast has reached such heights in the history of MTN Nigeria.

    This victory is not just a personal milestone for Adonu but a transformative moment for the Southeast region.

    His success is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and determination. In a competitive field of partners nationwide, Adonu’s achievement stands as a bold reminder that greatness knows no boundaries.

     “This is more than an award; it is a symbol of what is possible when you believe in yourself and commit fully to your vision. I dedicate this victory to the Southeast region and to everyone striving to achieve the impossible. Let this inspire us all to break barriers and set new records,” Adonu said in his acceptance speech

    MTN Nigeria lauded Adonu’s exceptional contribution, describing his win as a historic moment that underscores the importance of dedication and strategic leadership.

    Read Also: Appeal Court fines MTN N15 over unsolicited services

     “Adonu’s success is proof that dreams backed by action can rewrite history. He has set a new standard for excellence and innovation among all MTN partners,” said a senior MTN executive.

    This milestone is a source of pride for the Southeast region and an inspiration for future generations. Adonu’s journey demonstrates that with focus and determination, even the loftiest goals can be achieved.

    His success is a rallying point for others to push the boundaries, take bold steps, and transform their aspirations into reality.

    Adonu’s victory will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on MTN Nigeria’s history and the telecommunications industry as a whole, igniting a wave of ambition and progress nationwide, an industry source said.

  • Appeal Court fines MTN N15 over unsolicited services

    Appeal Court fines MTN N15 over unsolicited services

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered MTN Nigeria to pay N15million in damages for unlawful deduction of a subscriber’s  airtime over services the aggrieved customer – Ezugwu Anene – claimed not to have subscribed for.

    A three-member panel of the court awarded the damages in favour of Anene in a unanimous decision, which was read yesterday by Justice Okon Abang, who wrote the lead judgment.

    The court described as fraudulent, the regular deduction of airtime of customers by MTN for the auto-renewal of services not subscribed to.

    It also held that the decision by MTN to send unsolicited text messages to subscribers amounted to a breach of their (subscribers) right to privacy under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as well as the violation of Regulation 28 of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations.

    The Appeal Court noted that the unsolicited text messages caused the appellant anxiety, adding that  MTN was likely profiting substantially from the practice, and Nigerians “may not know this.”

    The appellate court said: “If MTN had sent unsolicited messages to 10 million phones at the time, owned by innocent Nigerians, it would unlawfully enrich itself to over a trillion naira.

    It upheld the finding of the High Court that Anene had complained to MTN and made a personal complaint to its customer care team.

    It also upheld another finding of the trial court  that the claimant had activated the DND option, but despite the efforts, MTN persisted in sending unsolicited messages.

    The appellate court proceeded to set aside the N300,000 general damages earlier awarded by the trial court against MTN and in favour of Anene.

    The judgment was on an appeal, marked: CA/ABJ/CV/137/2022, filed by Anene against the judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), delivered on September 22, 2021 by Justice U.P. Kekemeke.

    Read Also: MTN pushes for digital transformation at Bi-National Commission

    The  appellate court dismissed the cross-appeal by MTN. The telecommunication firm had challenged the N300,000 awarded by the trial court, arguing that the total deductions it made from Anene’s line amounted to about N14,000 and that the N300,000 awarded against it was excessive.

    Anene, in his suit at the High Court, claimed that he received over 244 unsolicited text messages from MTN for ‘weekly guidance and counselling,’ a service he did not subscribe to.

    He added that from 2016 to 2018, N20 was unlawfully deducted from his airtime balance, each time he received the text message on his mobile telephone line he gave as 08030735301.

    Anene stated that MTN continued to deduct his airtime for ‘caller tune services’ that were imposed on him.

    He further stated the unwanted deductions persisted, even though he protested at the Abuja office of the telecommunication company and also used a code, 2442, which he was told would activate a ‘Do Not Disturb’ service on his line.

    In his September 22, 2021 judgment, Justice Kekemeke held among others that Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, guarantees and protects citizens’ privacy, including their homes, correspondence, telephone conversations, and telegraphic communications.

    He noted that MTN’s witness, when cross-examined, admitted that the reference in the company’s terms and conditions was “so tiny, he cannot read it,” which the judge considered to be “potent” evidence.

    The judge proceeded to declare that the numerous unsolicited text messages and callertunes sent to the claimant’s phone, without his subscription to them, as well as the subsequent deductions from his airtime, constituted a breach of his right to privacy and quiet enjoyment of his airtime and phone.

    He issued an order perpetually restraining MTN from  further sending unsolicited text messages or imposing callertunes and deductions on Anene’s  airtime.

    The judge proceeded to award N300,000 as general damages against MTN and in favour of Anene, a decision he subsequently appealed.

  • JUST IN: Appeal Court fines MTN N15million over unsolicited services

    JUST IN: Appeal Court fines MTN N15million over unsolicited services

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered a leading telecommunications firm, MTN Nigeria to pay N15million in damages over the unlawful deduction of a subscriber’s airtime over services an aggrieved customer – Ezugwu Anene – claimed not to have subscribed for.

    A three-member panel of the court awarded the damages in favour of Anene in a unanimous decision, which was read on Friday by Justice Okon Abang, who wrote the lead judgment.

    The court described as fraudulent, the regular deduction of airtime of customers by MTN for the auto-renewal of services not subscribed to.

    It also held that the decision by MTN to send unsolicited text messages to subscribers amounted to a breach of their )subscribers’) right to privacy under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as well as the violation of Regulation 28 of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations.

    The Appeal Court noted that the unsolicited text messages caused the appellant anxiety, adding that  MTN was likely profiting substantially from the practice, and Nigerians “may not know this.”

    The appellate court said: “If MTN had sent unsolicited messages to 10 million phones at the time, owned by innocent Nigerians, it would unlawfully enrich itself to over a trillion naira.

    It upheld the finding of the HIgh Court that Anene had complained to MTN and made a personal complaint to its customer care team.

    It also upheld another finding of the trial court  that the claimant had activated the DND option, but despite the efforts, MTN persisted in sending unsolicited messages.

    The appellate court proceeded to set aside the N300,000 general damages earlier awarded by the trial court against MTN and in favour of Anene.

    Read Also: Christmas: First Lady calls for love, unity, environmental stewardship

    The judgment was on an appeal, marked: CA/ABJ/CV/137/2022, filed Anene against the judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), delivered on September 22, 2021 by Justice U.P. Kekemeke.

    The  appellate court dismissed the cross-appeal by MTN. The telecommunication firm had challenged the N300,000 awarded by the trial court, arguing that the total deductions it made from Anene’s line amounted to about N14,000 and that the N300,000 award ed against it was excessive.

    Anene, in his suit at the High Court, claimed that he received over 244 unsolicited text messages from MTN for ‘weekly guidance and counselling,’ a service he did not subscribe to.

    He added that from 2016 to 2018, N20 was unlawfully deducted from his airtime balance, each time he received the text message on his mobile telephone line he gave as 08030735301.

    Anene stated that MTN continued to deduct his airtime for ‘caller tune services’ that were imposed on him.

    He further stated the unwanted deductions persisted, even though he protested at the Abuja office of the telecommunication company and also used a code, 2442, which he was told would activate a ‘Do Not Disturb’ service on his line.

    In his September 22, 2021 judgment, Justice Kekemeke held among others that that Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, guarantees and protects citizens’ privacy, including their homes, correspondence, telephone conversations, and telegraphic communications.

    He noted that MTN’s witness, when cross-examined, admitted that the reference in the company’s terms and conditions was “so tiny, he cannot read it,” which the judge considered to be “potent” evidence.

    The judge proceeded to declare that the numerous unsolicited text messages and callertunes sent to the claimant’s phone, without his subscription to them, as well as the subsequent deductions from his airtime, constituted a breach of his right to privacy and quiet enjoyment of his airtime and phone.

    He issued and order perpetually restraining MTN from  further sending unsolicited text messages or imposing callertunes and deductions on Anene’s  airtime.

    The judge proceeded to award N300,000 as general damages against MTN and in favour of Anene, a decision he subsequently appealed.

  • MTN pushes for digital transformation at Bi-National Commission

    MTN pushes for digital transformation at Bi-National Commission

    The MTN Group reaffirmed its dedication to advancing digital transformation and fostering inclusive growth during the 11th South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission held in Cape Town, South Africa. This event highlighted the enduring partnership between the two largest economies in Africa and provided a platform to accelerate collaboration in critical areas.

    Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita led the MTN delegation, alongside MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, and Chairman, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe.

    The event brought together key stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCRF), Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, and South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Hon. Parks Tau.

    On the sidelines of the Commission, MTN’s leadership engaged in productive discussions with President Tinubu and Minister Tijani. These conversations focused on Nigeria’s ongoing structural reforms and the critical role of the digital economy in driving inclusive growth. MTN expressed its support for these reforms, emphasising their potential to unlock opportunities and transform lives across the nation.

    “The structural reforms in Nigeria, combined with the shared vision of digital transformation, are pivotal to achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth and we are committed to collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure these reforms deliver measurable impact for the people and businesses we serve,” Toriola said.

    Read Also: First Lady, MTN boss, others to get OAU’s honourary doctorate

    MTN Nigeria, a subsidiary of the MTN Group, contributes approximately 27per cent of the Group’s subscribers and 23per cent of its service revenue. The company has also commenced the construction of the largest data centre in West Africa which only reflects its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital agenda while strengthening the socio-economic ties between South Africa and Nigeria.

    The Commission also celebrated a major milestone with the announcement of a simplified visa application process for Nigerian tourists travelling to South Africa. This initiative, hailed as a breakthrough in fostering cultural and economic exchanges, reflects the tangible outcomes of enhanced cooperation between the two countries.

    MTN’s participation at the Bi-National Commission further strengthens its position as a leader in driving digital innovation and commitment to building bridges for sustainable growth across Africa. MTN continues to champion initiatives that empower communities, strengthen partnerships, and contribute to the continent’s prosperity.

  • First Lady, MTN boss, others to get OAU’s honourary doctorate

    First Lady, MTN boss, others to get OAU’s honourary doctorate

    • 215 among 6,015 graduating students make First Class

    The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) at Ile-Ife in Osun State is set to confer honourary doctoral degrees on the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Prince Karl Toriola, and some other eminent citizens.

    The institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, announced this at the pre-convocation media briefing yesterday on the university’s campus in Ile-Ife, ahead of the 48th convocation.

    He said three other exceptional Nigerians, including the Group Chairman of Mutual Benefit Plc whose organisation employed over 5,000 youths, Dr. Akinade Ogunbiyi; as well as professor of Energy Planning and Management, Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe and the Chairman of PANA Holdings and the Group Managing Director of PE Energy Limitedd, DK-LoK Nigeria Limited, and Kari Care Technology Limited, Daere Afonya-Akobo.

    Prof. Bamire noted that “Senator Oluremi Tinubu is an advocate for the underprivileged, particularly women and children. She founded the Yeye Asiwaju Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to women’s and children’s empowerment, and the New Era Foundation, focusing on youth development, environmental health, and community service.

    Read Also: OAU to confer honorary degrees on First Lady Tinubu, MTN boss, others

    “She gave grants for Spelling Bee, petty traders and even sponsored prizes in Faculty of Education with N50 million. She donated N1 billion to the school recently.”

    The vice chancellor announced that “215 graduated with First Class, 2,197 bagged Second Class Upper Division, while 2,691 finished with Second Class Lower and 755 are in Third Class category.

    He added that “61 of them finished with Upper Credit, 33 bagged Lower Credit and 62 have Pass. In total, 6,015 will graduate for classified degree, 395 for unclassified and 958 for postgraduate degrees”.

  • MTN unveils 5G Digital Experience Center in Abuja

    MTN unveils 5G Digital Experience Center in Abuja

    South African Telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria on has unveiled its Fifth Generation Technology (5G) powered Digital Experience Center at its Zonal Office located at Maitama District in Abuja.

    The Company said more Centres would be opened across the country for Nigerians to experience and unlock the potentials in the digital services offered in the centre. The event was attended by the representatives of the Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani and the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr Aminu Maida amongst other stakeholders.

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     MTN’ s Chief Customers’ Relations Officer, Ugonwa Nwoye and the Chief Information Officer, Soyinka Sodunke both said the Digital Experience Center would  change the narratives of digital services in Nigeria as it would unlock economic potentials and business opportunities for self development and empowerment. 

    Speaking with reporters shortly after unveiling the Center, Nwoye said Nigerians would benefit from the 15 Digital Experience Centres already established in the country, while plans have reached advance stage to move to other states. She explained that the Center provides opportunities for creativity in gaming, establishment of smart city, smart warehouses for industries, and  smart eateries powered by 5G technology.

  • Telcos to suspend services over N250b USSD debt, says MTN

    Telcos to suspend services over N250b USSD debt, says MTN

    If the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) fail to address the unsustainable debt of about N250 billion owed mobile network operators (MNOs) as a result of the use of the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), the operators might, subject to regulatory approval, suspend supporting the use of the service on the network for banking operations.

    USSD is a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) protocol that is used to send text messages. It is used for initiating financial transactions such as cash transfer, balance inquiry, payment for services and others.

    Fielding questions yesterday from Fellows of the Media Innovation Programme (MIP) sponsored by MTN Nigeria and in partnership with Pan Atlantic University, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, who were on inspection of MTN’s key facilities in the city, CEO of MTN, Karl Toriola, said the debt has continued to pile up and is becoming unsustainable to the operators.

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     Toriola who expressed optimism that the new CBN governor, Yemi Cardoso and the Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Dr Aminu Maida would resolve the impasse very soon, said if it is not resolved, the operators would be compelled to seek regulatory approval to discontinue allowing commercial banks to run transactions on the platform.

    Toriola warned of the dire consequences of government’s refusal to accede to telcos’ demands for tariff adjustment to reflect the realities of the economy, saying the telecom sector is lying critically ill at the intensive care unit (ICU) and may just die if the appropriate therapy is not applied to it.

    “MTN and the entire industry are in a dire situation. MTN is loss making because of naira devaluation. The fundamentals need to change. Tariffs have to be changed,” he said, adding that inflation has continued to go up, affecting the prices of commodities, including foodstuffs and services.

    He said the complete deregulation of the downstream oil sector has seen the pump price of petrol rise to over N1000 in the country. Similarly, electricity tariff has kissed the skies with the removal of electricity subsidy and the grouping of customers into bands by the power distribution companies (DisCos).

    “There should be no delusion, if the tariff doesn’t go up we will shut down,” he warned.

    The base transceiver stations (BTS) of the MNOs are powered by diesel and gas in the absence of dependable power supply from the national grid which has been suffering from epilepsy.

    Toriola said the company used to be one of the highest payers of corporate income tax to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), adding however that it has gone down to zero since the company has stopped making profit.

    The MTN CEO said the company has been surviving because it is spending its savings, saying the industry is living on borrowed times. “We must return the industry to profitability,” he said.

    He said despite the challenges the industry is facing now, it has transformed the country as it has been enabler to other sectors. Toriola warned that the industry should not be allowed to toe the ignoble path of NITEL.

    He said the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), a non-profit industry organisation that represents the interests of MNOs globally and hardly speaks to tariff issues, has called for tariff adjustment for sustainability.