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MTN Nigeria has pledged to comply with the directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) regarding the interconnect debt issue between MTN and Glo.
The NCC had approved MTN Nigeria Communications Plc to commence the phased disconnection of Globacom Limited due to a longstanding interconnection debt dispute between the two telecom companies.
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In an interview with Arise TV, Karl Toriola, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, stated that the company would act in a professional and compliant manner, ensuring that its actions align with the directives of the NCC. He emphasized the competence of the NCC in addressing such issues and mentioned that MTN would not take any actions that are not authorized by its licensing conditions or the regulator.
Toriola further clarified that MTN Nigeria is a Nigerian company with Nigerian shareholders, registered in Nigeria. He highlighted the significant presence of Nigerians in the company’s leadership, with 90% of the top-level positions held by Nigerians and a seasoned board of Nigerian and international directors.
Discussing industry dynamics, Toriola identified the high cost of mobile phones as a major challenge hindering digital inclusion in Nigeria. Regarding 5G technology, he confirmed that the coverage has quadrupled in the country since its rollout in 2022. Toriola also emphasized the importance of addressing the cost of handsets to promote digital inclusion.
In terms of financing solutions, Toriola highlighted the significance of aggregate credit scoring history for citizens to finance their mobile devices. He mentioned ongoing partnerships with companies in Africa to work on solutions that enable responsible payment over an extended period, making smartphones more accessible to a broader population.
The network company aims to leverage technologies like mobile money to predict behavioral patterns and creditworthiness, contributing to the goal of making smartphones more affordable and accessible in the Nigerian market.
