The Kogi State Government has reached an amicable resolution with telecom giant MTN Nigeria over a prolonged dispute regarding tax compliance and operational issues.

This was disclosed in a press statement released by Unubi Emmanuel, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, on May 22, 2025.

The reconciliation was brokered during a high-level meeting held at the Government House in Lokoja, chaired by Deputy Governor Comrade Joel Salifu on behalf of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

According to the statement, the resolution marks the end of a conflict that recently caused service disruptions in the state and stirred concern among residents and stakeholders.

Governor Ododo, through his Deputy, urged all corporate entities operating within Kogi to remain compliant with state laws on tax and regulatory standards.

He described the impasse with MTN as a “routine institutional challenge” and praised both parties for their maturity and commitment to resolving the matter in good faith.

The National Communications Commission (NCC) played a key mediating role in the dialogue. Represented by Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, the NCC confirmed that both sides had agreed to a settlement on the outstanding debts owed by MTN to the state.

The terms were described as mutually acceptable, though specific figures were not disclosed.

Engr. Oshadami lauded Governor Ododo’s administration for its investor-friendly policies and expressed optimism that the peaceful resolution would enhance investor confidence and economic development in Kogi State.

He reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to fostering constructive engagement between operators and government authorities.

Also in attendance were top government officials including Hon. Hilary Ojoma Egwudah, Deputy Chief of Staff; Alhaji Sule Salihu Enehe, Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, and Alhaji Taofik Isah, Director General of the state’s Utility and Infrastructure Management Agency.