The Central Bank of Nigeria says it has resolved its dispute with MTN Communications Limited.
By this resolution, MTN will now pay the price for the illegal remittances on preference shares issued in 2008 only.
A statement signed by the Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Isaac Okorafor, and published on the apex bank’s website on Monday announced the resolution.
Recall that in August, 2018, CBN directed MTN Communications Limited, MTNN, to reverse reparations valued at $8.1 b done on its behalf by four commercial banks between 2007 and 2015 on the basis of Certificates of Importation, CCIs, irregularly issued to it.
The banks involved in the repatriation were, Standard Bank, Stanbic IBTC Nigeria, Citibank Nigeria and Diamond Bank Plc, all of which were fined various sums by the CBN.
The statement, titled ‘Amicable Resolution Of Issues Relating To Foreign Exchange Remittance By MTN Nigeria Communications Limited,’ read:
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in August 2018 directed MTN Communications Limited (MTNN) to reverse repatriations valued at $8.1 billion done on its behalf by four commercial banks between 2007 and 2015 on the basis of Certificates of Capital Importation (CCIs)
irregularly issued to MTNN.
Following the keen interest shown by various stakeholders sequel to the regulatory action, the CBN committed to engage further with MTNN with a view to achieving an equitable resolution.
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Consequent upon the above, MTNN, led by its Nigerian shareholders, held intensive engagements with the CBN in the course of which it supplied additional material information, not previously offered to the Bank, satisfactorily clarifying its remittances. Having now reviewed the additional documentation provided by the company, the CBN has concluded that MTNN is no longer required to reverse the historical dividend payments made to MTN Nigeria shareholders.
However, the CBN identified that the proceeds from the preference shares in MTNN’s private placement remittances of 2008 were irregular having been based on CCIs that were issued without the final approval of CBN.
The CBN and MTNN have mutually agreed that the aforementioned transaction be reversed notionally to bring it into full compliance with foreign exchange laws and regulations.
The parties have resolved that execution of the terms of the agreement will lead to amicable disposal of the pending legal suit between the parties and final resolution of the matter.
The CBN assures foreign investors that the integrity of the CCIs issued by authorised dealers remain sacrosanct. Potential investors are encouraged to take advantage of the enormous investment opportunities that abound within Nigeria”.
