By Segun Oniyide

The Nigerian state of Osun has threatened to confiscate base stations belonging to MTN Nigeria following the network’s failure to pay a right of way permit fee of NGN400 million (US$2.5 million).

On April 7, officials of the state Inland Revenue Service (SIRS) seized the base stations, but they were released two days later on the condition MTN would pay the fees by April 15, which did not occur.

Please be informed that the issue of non-payment constituted one of the reasons why we distrained five of your mast base stations in our state on  April 7, which were released on April 9,  based on the mutual understanding… during our meeting on April 8 that the payment should be effected on or before April 15,” IRS said in a letter.

We therefore wish to express our disappointment on the failure of your organisation to fulfill your civic responsibility in respect of this payment despite several demand notices. In this regard, we are therefore left with no other option than to confiscate your base stations in our state provided we do not receive payment on or before the close of business on April 25 to the coffer of the state government.”