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The Osun State government has accused MTN Nigeria of owing over N900 million in unpaid taxes and is asking the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to step in.
This comes after MTN made significant donations to the federal government, including N1 billion for a food support programme and 4,600 digital devices for schools, despite the alleged tax debt.
Rotimi George-Taylor, a consultant to the Osun State government, criticized MTN for making these donations while ignoring its tax responsibilities. He noted that although MTN has laid over 270 kilometers of cables in the state, it hasn’t paid the required taxes.
George-Taylor argued that operating in the state while avoiding tax payments sends the wrong message. He called on the federal government to ensure that companies like MTN meet their obligations before getting involved in public relations activities.
Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson for Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, supported George-Taylor’s concerns and urged MTN to settle its debts to improve its reputation. He also emphasized that MTN should respect local laws and set a good example for other companies.
