“MTN Nigeria in Turmoil as Osun Government Shuts Offices Over N945 Million Tax Dispute”

MTN Nigeria is grappling with a severe regulatory backlash in Osun State, following allegations of tax evasion amounting to N945 million. The situation escalated on Monday as the Osun State Ministry of Environment and Sanitation began sealing off the telecom company’s offices, a move that has disrupted mobile network services and sparked public concern across the region.

The Ministry disclosed that the enforcement actions are in line with the Osun State Environmental Protection Law of 2022, which mandates appropriate taxation and environmental regulation of telecommunications infrastructure. Already, two of MTN’s main operational offices in the state capital, Osogbo, have been sealed, with more closures expected if the issue remains unresolved.

“Oyo State’s IGR Hits N65.28 Billion In 2024, Surges By 145% Since 2019”

“Osun Enforcement Hits MTN Over Tax Non-Compliance”

According to the Ministry, the drastic action followed MTN’s alleged failure to settle outstanding taxes and repeated attempts to mislead regulatory officials. The government insisted it had engaged MTN multiple times, offering opportunities to resolve the issue amicably—efforts that were reportedly ignored or deflected by the telecom giant.

As a result, residents of Osun State have been warned to expect widespread disruptions in mobile services, as MTN’s operations in the area have come to an abrupt halt.

Speaking on the matter, Rotimi George-Taylor, the representative of Global Transactions Nigeria Limited—Osun’s official consultant on telecommunications infrastructure—accused MTN of deliberate non-compliance and lack of accountability. He revealed that efforts to mediate the dispute were ignored, despite assurances from MTN’s top executives.

“I reached out in good faith to resolve the matter amicably. The Chief Technical Officer of MTN even proposed a meeting within seven days, but that commitment was never honored,” George-Taylor stated. “This is a clear sign of disregard for regulatory obligations.”

George-Taylor further disclosed that MTN had failed to present receipts confirming payment of right-of-way charges required under Osun law. More troubling, he said, was that some MTN staff members were allegedly evading law enforcement following petitions to the Osun State Police Command.

“Ministry Cites Legal Backing, Calls for Full Compliance”

The Ministry emphasized that the shutdown was executed based on a valid court order, with prior notification given to security agencies, including the police. It underscored that the operation was not a political stunt, but a lawful action aimed at holding a major corporate player accountable.

“All companies, regardless of size, must adhere to the laws of the land,” the Ministry stated. “MTN’s operations in Osun must align with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Act, particularly Section 135, which mandates complete regulatory compliance.”

It urged MTN to regularize its records and settle its financial obligations in full to avoid further legal consequences and public inconvenience.

George-Taylor reiterated this call, noting that MTN’s continued defiance sets a dangerous precedent in the telecommunications sector. “Until they are held accountable, they will continue to evade their financial responsibilities,” he warned. “This enforcement is a signal to all telecom providers that regulatory compliance is not optional.”

“Subscribers and Businesses Bear the Brunt”

The repercussions of this standoff are already being felt across Osun State. MTN subscribers have reported service disruptions, affecting both personal and commercial communications. Small businesses that depend on mobile data for transactions and logistics have expressed frustration, fearing financial losses if the situation persists.

Local residents and business owners are urging both the government and MTN to resolve the crisis swiftly to restore network services and prevent further economic fallout.

“This is a digital economy, and when telecom services are shut down, everything stops,” said Abimbola Akinyemi, a cybercafé operator in Osogbo. “We just hope both sides can find common ground soon.”

“Awaiting MTN’s Response”

As of the time of this report, MTN Nigeria has yet to issue an official response regarding the allegations or the office closures. The company is under increasing pressure to address the tax claims and re-establish compliance with state laws.

The Osun State Government has maintained its position that the enforcement will continue unless MTN takes immediate steps to resolve the outstanding issues. The incident underscores the growing friction between state governments and multinational corporations over tax accountability and regulatory oversight.

With MTN being one of Nigeria’s largest telecom providers, industry watchers believe the outcome of this conflict could set a precedent for how state governments approach corporate tax enforcement going forward.