Business

CBN governor “optimistic” MTN issue will be resolved “soon”

722


By Ruth Olurounbi
The Nigerian central bank governor, Godwin Emefiele has hinted that the MTN problems with the regulatory body will probably be resolved soon, saying the South African company is “systemically” important to Nigeria’s economy.

“We will resolve the matter in a way that will leave MTN, the banks, the government and the Central Bank of Nigeria happy,” he told reporters on Tuesday in the capital, Abuja, after he announced that the bank was retaining Monetary Policy Rate at 14%.

Emefiele said the central bank had not imposed a fine or sanction on MTN, rather, it is seeking that the wireless operator reverses the $8.1 billion it had repratriated from the Nigeria with the regulatory body’s approval.

“I would call it neither a fine nor a penalty. We want a reversal of that transaction because it was not finally authorized by the Central Bank of Nigeria. We will invite the banks and the company to prove their case,” he said.

Emefiele also said that the central bank has received documents from the telecommunication operator as well as the banks fined for helping the company illegally move $8.1 billion from the Nigeria and the bank’s examiners reviewing the information.

“It’s important that the country’s foreign-exchange laws be obeyed” adding “in due course, we’ll make a final call on this subject,” he said.

Author

See also  System upgrade: FirstBank enhances supplier's platform, guarantees uninterrupted, seamless services

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Nigeria’s Headline Inflation Eases Slightly to 15.06% in February 2026 – NBS

Nigeria’s annual inflation rate moderated slightly in February 2026, dipping to 15.06%...

CBN Revises BVN Framework, Introduces New Compliance Measures

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced new provisions to the...

CBN Cracks Down on Large Loan Defaulters with New Credit Restrictions

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed financial institutions across the...

Driving AfCFTA: Nigeria eyes $50bln In Trade Deals as 2027 IATF host

Nigeria has formally signed the host country agreement for the fifth edition...