Dr Bukola Saraki, the President of the Senate has called on the authorities of the MTN Group to ensure that Nigerian subscribers enjoy top quality voice and data services from their network.
Saraki, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, in Abuja, made the call when the Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Dr. Pascal Dozie, led the Group Chairman of the organization, Mr. Phuthuma Nhleko and other management staff on a courtesy visit to the President of the Senate.
Saraki congratulated the MTN management on the successes the company has recorded in the last 18 years in the country, saying they have truly impacted Nigerians and the way they live their lives.
He appreciated the visit and the hosting of the first retreat of the company outside South Africa in Nigeria, and the way the company has continued to engage both the executive and legislative arm of government on issues that concerns their operations and the economy.
Saraki said: “I want to reassure you that you are an important partner in our economy. In a sector that is growing very well, I think it is our responsibility as a responsible government to constructively engage with you.
“Ours is not in any way to see that your business goes down but that your business grow. In doing that, we need to be responsible and ensure that whatever the interest and concerns of Nigerians are are well taken care of.
“I can assure you that the Senate and the National Assembly will be partners with you in the interest of the country and also to support the industry,” he said.
On his part the Group Chairman of MTN, Mr. Phuthuma Nhleko, noted that the company has continue to have constructive relationship with the government and private sector in its about 18 years of operation in Nigeria.
He said the visit was to thank the Senate and indeed the National Assembly for their support and providing conducive business environment through legislation and interventions in the country.
NhIeko said: “I am also delighted to say that overall, it has always been a very constructive partnership. We have found ways to find solutions even when things are difficult.
“We always remind people that when the mobile sector started, I think there was something like 600,000 fixed lines in 2000 – 2001 for the entire country.
“Of course, today, MTN alone has over 54million subscribers… I think by any measure it has been a very mutually beneficial engagement.
“We would like to see ourselves as being a partner to government and continue to contribute to development particularly in developing the ICT sector,” he said.
Packaged by Alice Egbedele
