Lokoja — The Kogi State Utility Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency (KUIMCA) has shed light on the recent disruption of MTN services across the state, citing regulatory non-compliance as the primary reason for sealing off the telecom giant’s operations.
MTN users in Kogi have faced service interruptions over the past two weeks, culminating in a complete network blackout last week. Addressing the media in Lokoja on Friday, the Director General of KUIMCA, Dr. Taofeeq Isah, revealed that MTN failed to adhere to operational guidelines laid out in the state’s official gazette.
“Upon assuming office in August, I reviewed MTN’s operational files and found multiple areas of non-compliance,” Isah explained. “When invited for a meeting, MTN claimed they were being overbilled for optic fibre coverage. A joint verification exercise revealed they were actually operating more extensively than disclosed — they claimed 48 fibres, but an audit revealed 199.”
Despite being asked to regularize their operations and settle outstanding dues, Isah said MTN declined. KUIMCA then obtained a court order and sealed off the company’s infrastructure in the state.
Isah appealed to residents for understanding, assuring them that the agency’s actions were in the public’s best interest. He urged citizens and security personnel to switch to alternative networks to maintain vital communications.
Also speaking at the briefing, the Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, Salihu Enehe, represented by Director Hasana Salawu, accused MTN of routinely ignoring state directives and violating multiple regulatory provisions.
“MTN has acted like a law unto itself, failing to comply with several state laws — not just concerning optic fibre installations, but across many areas of its operations,” Salawu said. “Despite repeated invitations for reconciliation, the company has yet to make any serious effort to resolve these issues.”
The Kogi government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting both the state’s infrastructure and the rights of its citizens, stressing that regulatory compliance remains non-negotiable.
