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MTN Pays Billions in Fees, Debts, Others

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Some of the biggest operating expenses of MTN Nigeria in 2019, went into payments for professional fees, bad debts and maintenance costs, the company’s latest financial statement has revealed.

 

According to the statement filed at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), MTN Nigeria had about N36.6 billion as operating expenses against the MTN Group’s expenditure of about N37.3 billion.

 

The financial statement was for the nine months’ period ended September 30, 2019.

 

Details of the report showed the professional fees by MTN Nigeria for the period was about N14.5 billion, maintenance cost (N9.6 billion), and bad debts written off (N9.4 billion), against MTN Group’s N15 billion, N9.6 billion and N9.4 billion respectively.

 

Compared with the figures for the corresponding period for 2018, the report showed MTN Nigeria expenditure for professional fees stood at about N19.3 billion, maintenance cost (N9.8 billion), and bad debts written off (N7.8billion).

 

Similarly, MTN Group expenditure for 2018 showed about N20 billion went for professional fees; maintenance cost N9.8 billion and bad debts written off N7.8 billion.

 

Details of the services for which the professional fees were paid were not disclosed.

 

Other operating expenses recorded in the statement included about N4 billion on rent, rates, utilities and other office running costs for MTN Nigeria, against similar expenses (N4 billion) by MTN Group for the period.

 

Also, expenditure on Information Technology Development Levy by MTN Nigeria took about N3.7 billion, same as MTN Group (N3.7 billion); Fixed assets written off (N3.04 billion) for both MTN Nigeria and the Group, and trainings, travels and entertainment cost N2.3 billion for MTN Nigeria, against N2.24 billion for the Group.

 

In addition, MTN Nigeria spent N1.1 billion, same as the Group (N1.1 billion) for Insurance cost, audit fees (N213 million) by MTN Nigeria and Group respectively.

 

About N1.42 billion and N1.5 billion respectively were for other expenses by MTN Nigeria and Group.

 

The company said other expenses covered bank charges, subscriptions, office refreshments and security costs by both MTN Nigeria and the Group.

 

The report said MTN Nigeria lost about N8.9 billion for reversal of impairment losses on contract with various customers against N9.1 billion lost by the Group for a similar reason for the period.

 

Another N3.1 billion each were lost by MTN Nigeria and the Group for Reversal of impairment/(impairment) of property, plant and equipment, in addition to about N242 million each lost by both MTN Nigeria and the Group.

 

Beyond these expenses, the report said MTN Nigeria incurred about N178.1 billion for the period direct network operating costs, consisting of N121.9 billion as BTS leases; N33.5 billion as network maintenance; N22.1 billion as regulatory fees, and N7328 million as an annual numbering plan.

 

The same expenditures were recorded for the Group in all the subcategories of direct network costs, except for the annual numbering plan and network maintenance expenses, for which about N845.8 million and N33.2 billion respectively were paid.

 

On income tax expenses, the report said out of about N64.5billion by MTN Nigeria and N63.7 billion by the Group, Company Income Tax (CIT) took N52 billion (MTN Nigeria), N52.4 billion (Group); Education Tax N6.5 billion each (MTN Nigeria and Group) and Nigerian Police Trust Fund N10.7 million each for MTN Nigeria and Group.

 

Also, the report includes additional N5.97 billion as deferred tax by MTN Nigeria and N4.84 million by the Group for the period.

 

Since MTN began business in Nigeria in 2001, it has made payments to its overseas affiliates located in known tax havens, including MTN Dubai and MTN International in Mauritius.

 


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NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

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Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators in the country to notify affected customers of any data breach within 48 hours ( that is two day) of detecting such unauthorised infringement.

NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

This directive was  contained in the revised Internet Code of Practice 2026 by the NCC, on Friday.

The document seeks to define the rights and obligations of telecom operators in handing the rights of internet users to an open internet.

In the move to protect customer information, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are to take necessary measures to protect customers’ data from unauthorised use, disclosure, access or breach.

Telecom operators must now notify affected customers within 48 hours of detecting a compromise through text message, email or any other effective means. As contained in Chapter 3.4 of the regulation titled “Data Breach Notifications,”

The telecoms companies are also directed to notify the NCC of such a breach not later than 48 hours after determining such a breach.

Where full details of the breach are not immediately available, the provider shall issue a preliminary notification within the same period and furnish a comprehensive update within Fourteen (14) days thereafter, or within such extended period as the Commission may approve,” part of the section reads.

The guidelines, according to NCC, are in tandem with the provisions contained in the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023 and Part VI of Schedule 1 of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2024.

The regulation also joins other agencies’ policies, ensuring protection. Agencies such as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) protect consumers against misuse of personal data, identity theft, financial loss, and reputation damage.

The review comes at a time when privacy becomes core amid frequent breaches and illegal harvest of data such as biometric, national IDs, financial information, traffic and usage, and others.

Regulations are necessary for the proper handling, consent, and regulatory compliance regarding sensitive data, ensuring it is only processed for legitimate purposes.

Under Chapter 3.5, the Internet Code of Practice 2026 addressed the handling of harvesting of transactional data by notifying and getting approval from the NCC of any usage by a third party. It noted that the NCC approval will be defined by a review and assessment of such access and “its potential effects on national considerations, consumer information and personal data.”


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Globacom Promotes Valentine Gifting with Huge Discounts on Smartphones

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Globacom has announced a Valentine Smartphone promotion, which provides incredible savings on a variety of high-end smartphones from top manufacturers including Tecno, Samsung, and Infinix.

Starting on February 9, the promotion provides substantial price reductions on a number of Samsung models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy A07, Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G. Customers who buy any of the phones will also receive a complimentary travel pouch and charger, as well as up to 18GB of extra data for six months, only available on the Glo network.

Along with other Infinix models, Tecno devices are also offered at attractive discounts, giving customers a large range of smartphones to fit a variety of tastes and price ranges.

The goal of the Glo Valentine promotion is to provide customers with the best possible deals on carefully chosen smartphones that are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, stylish designs, and dependable performance. The offer, which includes alternatives to suit a range of budgets and lifestyles, reaffirms Globacom’s dedication to customer happiness, digital adoption, greater data usage, and client centricity.

The company revealed that the promotion aligned with customers’ expectations during celebratory seasons, when demand is highest for quality smartphones at affordable prices. The company added that its partnership with trusted global and regional brands such as Samsung, Infinix, and Tecno ensures that customers enjoy premium features without compromising on value.

“The Valentine season is about connection, and what better way to stay connected than with a smartphone that fits your needs and aspirations,” the company stated. “This promo gives our customers the chance to get their dream smartphones at some of the best prices of the year, along with generous data bonuses to keep them connected,” the company disclosed.

Customers are encouraged to visit Gloworld outlets nationwide to take advantage of the Valentine Smartphone Promo while stocks last.

 


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GBB Expands Broadband to 13 Underserved Communities In 2025

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Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has recorded a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey by advancing broadband connectivity to 13 underserved institutions and communities nationwide in 2025, reinforcing its position as the nation’s digital backbone and a trusted partner in national development.

Guided by its mandate to enable a digitally inclusive Nigeria, GBB deliberately extended connectivity to locations within reach of its infrastructure footprint, particularly institutions with strong potential for productive use but limited readiness for immediate commercial engagement. Through this effort, the organisation continues to unlock opportunity, stimulate innovation, and support sustainable growth across critical sectors of the economy.

The expansion reached three Federal Universities, two Local Government Areas, and eight Federal Secretariats, strengthening digital capabilities in education and public administration while enhancing service delivery across the country.

GBB also extended reliable broadband connectivity to strategic and cultural landmarks such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, underscoring its commitment to supporting national infrastructure that drives economic activity, mobility, and global connectivity.

These deployments highlight Galaxy Backbone’s resolve to bridge the digital divide and empower institutions that shape Nigeria’s future. They demonstrate the measurable national impact of GBB’s infrastructure investments and reflect the tangible progress of the Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS), further solidifying the organisation’s role as the platform upon which government institutions and communities can confidently build their digital future.

More importantly, the milestone illustrates that GBB’s work extends beyond technology by enabling education, improving governance, supporting economic participation, and connecting citizens to opportunity.

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broadband penetration objectives and complements national programmes such as Project 774 – Universities’ Hostel Connectivity, ensuring coordinated, scalable, and sustainable impact across the country. Commenting on the achievement, Galaxy Backbone noted that every new connection brings Nigeria closer to a more inclusive digital economy while reinforcing the infrastructure required for innovation and national competitiveness.

As implementation continues, GBB remains committed to expanding access, pushing boundaries, and delivering on the promise of a fully digital nation, with further updates expected as additional phases of the deployment progress.

Galaxy Backbone Limited is the Federal Government’s digital infrastructure and shared services provider, dedicated to delivering secure, reliable, and scalable ICT solutions that support efficient governance, innovation, and sustainable national development.

 


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