Business

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

959
Advertisement




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  Abuja businesswoman wins brand new car in DiamondExtra season 10 regional draw

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Elumelu Champions $15bln West Africa Infrastructure Pipeline

By Samuel Akpan Nigerian billionaire and Heirs Holdings Chairman Tony Elumelu is...

Nigeria’s Inflation Falls to 14.63% for Fourth Straight Month

By Samuel Akpan Nigeria’s inflation rate eased to 14.63% in September 2026...

Nigeria Opens 65 Projects to Investors, Sets Sights on 7% Economic Growth

By Oluwatosin Deba The Federal Government has unveiled 65 investment opportunities across...

AI Boom, Debt Surge Threaten Global Markets — Nigeria, Africa Face Potential Fallout

By Maryann Awuya The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that a...