Reno Omokri Raises Concerns Over Alleged Anti-Nigerian Sentiment on NCC Board
Reno Omokri Raises Concerns Over Alleged Anti-Nigerian Sentiment on NCC Board
By Matthew Eloyi
Political commentator and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has called on President Bola Tinubu to scrutinize the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) board, alleging anti-Nigerian sentiments and close ties with MTN, a foreign-owned telecommunications company.
In a recent Facebook post, Omokri expressed concerns about the NCC board’s relationship with MTN, particularly regarding the company’s authorisation to collect value-added tax (VAT). He questioned the rationale behind granting such powers to a foreign entity and urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the matter.
Omokri further criticised the NCC for allegedly allowing MTN to engage in monopolistic tendencies in Nigeria, despite being labelled a “hostile monopoly” by the Ghanaian government. He also highlighted an incident involving Helen Obi, a staff member of the NCC, who allegedly undermined a Nigerian telecommunications firm in favour of MTN.
According to Omokri, MTN and Airtel are responsible for significant capital flight from Nigeria, amounting to almost $20 million daily. He warned against Nigerian officials aiding MTN in undermining the country’s economy, as allegedly witnessed in Ghana.
Omokri’s remarks come amidst growing concerns over foreign influence and monopolistic practices in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. Calls for transparency and accountability within regulatory bodies like the NCC have intensified, with stakeholders urging the government to safeguard national interests and promote a level playing field for all telecom operators.
