Nigeria’s biggest telecommunications company, MTN Nigeria has clarified an alleged outstanding tax indebtedness to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The mobile service provider said earlier in the year, it agreed to make advance tax payments ahead of established deadlines to support the government’s revenue drive.
MTN Nigeria made the announcement in a notice signed by Uto Ukpana, MTN’s company secretary and published on Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited website on Tuesday.
“As recently as 2020, the tax authority commended MTN Nigeria for its prompt payment of dues. This was also the case in 2020 when in response to FIRS appeal to support the government, MTN Nigeria made an early payment of its 2019 company income tax (CIT) of N46.9 billion,” Ukpana said.
Read also: MTN Nigeria clarifies alleged indebtedness to FG
According to her, “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.”
Clarifying the alleged indebtedness to the Nigerian government, Ukpana recalled that on January 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 explained that MTN Nigeria cooperated with the authorities and provided relevant pieces of evidence to demonstrate full compliance to all extant tax and regulatory obligations and discussions were ongoing.
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,” the telecommunication firm declared.
