Rotimi George-Taylor, a consultant to the Osun state government on telecommunications infrastructure, has criticised MTN Nigeria for making donations to the federal government despite owing over N900 million in tax to the state.
Speaking on Tuesday during a press conference in Osogbo, the consultant, who is also the chairman of Global Transactions Limited, urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to intervene.
On August 9, MTN donated N1 billion to the federal government’s food support programme and 4,600 units of digital devices to schools.
George-Taylor said MTN should have met its constitutional obligations before making such donations.
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He said MTN has laid over 270 kilometres (km) of cables in Osun but has “refused to pay statutory taxes,” and yet is allowed to make donations.
The consultant said operating in the state without adhering to relevant laws and regulations, along with having substantial unpaid bills, is a negative sign.
George-Taylor urged the federal government to ensure that companies like MTN fulfil their constitutional obligations before being permitted to meet with any leaders.
“I have dealt with many multinational companies, but I have not encountered what MTN Nigeria is doing,” George-Taylor said.
“While it is ordinarily commendable for a multinational company to donate N1 billion to our country, this noble act comes off as questionable when the same company owes Osun state over N900 million.
“It is imperative that NCC lives up to its position, as an arbiter, to ensure that Osun state is not defrauded of its legitimate income by MTN. It is also hoped that MTN Nigeria will prioritise fulfilling its financial obligations to the state before seeking public praise for its charitable contributions.”
George-Taylor said the people of Osun are entitled to transparency and fairness from multinational companies operating in their state.
‘SETTLE OUTSTANDING DUES AS A RESPONSIBLE COMPANY’
Speaking to TheCable on Tuesday, Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson for Ademola Adeleke, the Osun state governor, stressed the need for MTN to settle its outstanding dues.
Rasheed highlighted several reasons why the company should act swiftly.
“It will enhance MTN standing as a responsible firm committed to compliance with hosting state’s laws. Osun has a disciplined government that is deploying its scarce resources to delivering on good governance. Even at board level, MTN should know the legitimate fund belonging to the state is for good governance.”
Rasheed urged the telco to set a positive example for other telecoms and multinational companies by demonstrating respect for local laws.
“What the company wouldn’t do in South Africa should never be practiced here in Nigeria. Much more importantly, the company should look at how disappointing it is for it to cheat the home state of its Nigerian head.”
He expressed the Osun state government’s expectation that MTN will take the necessary steps to resolve the issue promptly.
MTN did not respond to TheCable’s enquiry on the matter.
