By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja in Lokoja.
There are strong indications that the two-week-long dispute between the Kogi State Government and telecom giant MTN,which led to the shutdown of MTN facilities across the state,may soon be resolved.
A reliable source who spoke with our correspondent at the premises of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) in Lokoja on Wednesday expressed optimism that reconciliation efforts between both parties were yielding results.
“MTN and government officials have agreed to meet with the aim of settling the tax dispute that has lingered for about two weeks.
“We are hopeful that before the end of this week, a truce will be reached, and MTN will resume its services in the state,”he source said.
Our correspondent recalls that at a joint press conference held on Friday at the KGIRS headquarters, the Executive Chairman of KGIRS and the Director General of the Kogi Internal Unified Monitoring and Compliance Agency (KIUMCA) outlined the reasons behind the earlier shutdown of MTN facilities.
Dr. Taufiq Isa, Director General of KIUMCA, explained that the enforcement action was based on an order from the Kogi State High Court, following MTN’s persistent non-compliance with a previously agreed tax remittance plan.
He emphasized that several MTN base stations and infrastructure were sealed as a last resort, due to the company’s failure to meet its obligations.
Also speaking at the event, the Director in charge of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) at KGIRS, Hajia Hassana Salau,who represented the Executive Chairman, Alhaji Sule Salihu of the Service reiterated that while other telecom providers such as Glo complied with their tax obligations under similar circumstances last year, MTN consistently delayed negotiations and submitted incomplete or irrelevant documentation.
While all eyes are on the two parties to reach an amicable resolution, many residents told our correspondent that the shutdown of MTN facilities in the state has disrupted their social and economic activities in various ways.
