Telecommunication services in Kogi State are set to resume on Wednesday following the resolution of a lingering dispute between MTN Nigeria and the Kogi State Government. This development comes as a major relief to residents and businesses who have endured days of communication blackout due to the fallout.
The shutdown stemmed from allegations leveled against the telecom giant by the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KUIMCA), which accused MTN of under-reporting its optic fibre infrastructure within the state and failing to comply with relevant local regulations. Further accusations of tax evasion were also raised, prompting a court-ordered closure of MTN’s operations in the state.
Confirming the resolution, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, announced that both parties have successfully addressed the underlying issues, paving the way for the full restoration of services.
“We can confirm that all matters have been resolved amicably, and services will be restored across Kogi State by Wednesday,” Adebayo stated, expressing appreciation for the intervention of stakeholders who facilitated the dialogue.
The temporary suspension had sparked concerns over the impact on economic activity, security coordination, and access to emergency services, as Kogi’s central location makes it a critical telecom corridor.
This settlement marks a significant step toward fostering better cooperation between telecom operators and state authorities in Nigeria, with both parties expected to implement improved compliance frameworks going forward.