By correspondent in Lokoja.
The Kogi State Government and MTN Nigeria have amicably resolved their long-standing dispute over tax remittance and operational compliance issues.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Lokoja by Mr. Unubi Emmanuel, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, and made available to The Reporters on Thursday.
The reconciliation meeting, held on Wednesday at the Government House in Lokoja, he said,was convened at the instance of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and chaired by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Deputy Governor Salifu urged corporate organizations operating in the state to strictly adhere to tax regulations and operational protocols in their dealings with government authorities.
Governor Ododo described the recent disagreement with MTN—which resulted in temporary service disruptions across the state—as a normal challenge in institutional relationships. He commended the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for its role in mediating the dispute and praised the willingness of all parties to uphold the terms of the resolution.
“Kogi State remains open for business,” the Governor affirmed, adding that his administration is committed to creating a conducive environment for investors to operate and thrive.
Representing the NCC, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, announced that both MTN Nigeria and the Kogi State Government had agreed on mutually acceptable terms for the settlement of outstanding debts owed by the telecom operator.
He lauded Governor Ododo for adopting business-friendly policies and noted that the peaceful resolution of the matter would enhance investor confidence and ultimately benefit the people of the state.
Other dignitaries at the meeting included Hon. Hilary Ojoma Egwudah, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor; Alhaji Sule Salihu Enehe, Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS); and Alhaji Taofik Isah, Director General of the Kogi State Utility, Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency (KUIMCA).
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
