It is no longer news that most of the major GSM providers have been getting huge chunk of revenues from the Anambra axis, specifically Onitsha and environs. But recently one of the major operators went to town shouting for anyone to hear that the Anambra State Government is closing down their operations by shutting down its telecom masts.
In fact, the concerned operator MTN is said to have even written a petition to some security agencies alleging threat to national security if the state dares shut its base stations.
However, facts have emerged that out of 1,125 Base stations in the state, MTN owns 500 and that each BTS attracts a fee of N700, 000.00 which is subject to negotiation with the relevant state authorities. Already other operators are engaging with Anambra Government. But rather than meet and negotiate with the state, MTN chose to flex muscle and blackmail the government while it continues to cart away huge sums of money from Anambra without putting something back.
Haba MTN! No wonder they started shouting first.
South African Wayo!
Ifeoma Ajoka (asiriajoka@gmail.com) A Public Affairs Analyst from Agulu, Anambra State
