The Kogi State Utility Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency (KUIMCA) and the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) have clarified the reasons behind the disruption of MTN’s mobile network services in the state.
In a joint press conference held in Lokoja on Friday, Dr. Taufiq Isa, the Director General of KUIMCA, and Salihu Enehe, the Executive Chairman of KGIRS, explained that the telecom company’s failure to comply with the rules stipulated in the official gazette for telecom operations in Kogi led to the shutdown. This disruption, which started over two weeks ago, escalated to a complete shutdown in the past week.
Dr. Isa, who assumed office in August 2024, explained that he discovered MTN’s non-compliance after reviewing their operational files. He revealed that during an inspection, MTN representatives claimed they were being overbilled for the coverage of their optic fibre network in the state. Dr. Isa accompanied the telecom company on a four-day verification exercise to assess their claim and found that MTN had been covering more areas than originally reported.
The issue was brought to a head when MTN refused to make the necessary payments after the findings were made. Dr. Isa stated, “We asked them to make the necessary payments, but MTN refused. That is why we sealed off their facilities after obtaining a court order to do so.” He also appealed to residents to be patient with the government as it worked to protect their interests, emphasizing that there are other mobile telecom networks available in the state.
Salihu Enehe, Executive Chairman of KGIRS, also voiced his concerns about MTN’s conduct in the state. Enehe, represented by Hassana Salawu, a director in the agency, explained that MTN had failed to comply with numerous requests for reconciliation meetings and had ignored repeated messages from the agencies. He mentioned that MTN had been violating regulations, particularly concerning their right of way for optic fibre installations.
“It’s not just the billing issue. MTN claimed to have 48 optic fibres laid in the state, but after conducting an audit, we found they have 199 fibres buried underground,” Salawu said. Despite several attempts to hold meetings, he explained, MTN had refused to cooperate, leaving the state with no choice but to act decisively.
The Kogi state government’s actions have generated mixed reactions from residents and businesses that depend on MTN’s services for communication. While the shutdown has certainly caused inconvenience, the state government insists that it is necessary to uphold the laws governing telecom operations in Kogi.
Authorities have also pointed out that since MTN is not the only mobile network in the state, citizens and businesses affected by the shutdown can consider switching to other providers. The government reassured residents that their security and communication needs would not be compromised, urging the public to adapt temporarily to alternative networks.
The standoff highlights the growing tension between telecom companies and local governments across Nigeria. Many states are increasingly asserting their rights to regulate and collect revenue from telecom operations, while companies like MTN argue that local regulations can sometimes be excessive or inconsistent.
The shutdown is also a reminder of the importance of compliance in a highly regulated industry like telecommunications. Kogi authorities have indicated that MTN can resume operations once it meets the state’s regulatory requirements. However, the telecom giant’s refusal to engage with the government on the matter means the impasse could continue unless an agreement is reached.
As the investigation and negotiation continue, the Kogi government is maintaining its stance that companies operating in the state must follow the rules, stressing that these measures are in place to protect both the interests of the state and its citizens.
