MTN says fulfilling tax, regulatory obligations

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has clarified an alleged indebtedness to the Federal Government of Nigeria in respect to outstanding taxes. Its company secretary, Mrs Uto Ukpana, made the clarification in a notice posted on the website of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited on Tuesday. Ukpana recalled that on Jan. 8, 2020, the office of the Attorney General of the Federation had transferred the case of MTN Nigeria’s alleged indebtedness to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigerian Customs Service for resolution.

She said that MTN Nigeria cooperated with the authorities and provided relevant evidences to demonstrate full compliance to all extant tax and regulatory obligations and discussions were ongoing. “As recently as 2020, the tax authority commended MTN Nigeria for its prompt payment of dues. In addition, when asked earlier, the company agreed to make advance tax payments ahead of established deadlines to support government’s revenue drive. This was also the case in 2020 when in response to FIRS appeal to support government, MTN Nigeria made an early payment of its 2019 company income tax (CIT) of N46.9 billion.

“MTN Nigeria did the same this year between March and June, making early payments of N95.5 billion for the 2020 CIT which was due June 30,” she said. Ukpana pledged MTN Nigeria’s commitment to conducting its business in accordance with applicable laws. “We are also committed to contributing to the social and economic development of Nigeria,” she said.