MTN shares slumped as much as 11% on Friday after a report that Africa’s biggest cellphone network operator is facing pressure to transfer $8.1bn to Nigeria before that country’s courts rule on its conflict with the central bank.
Bloomberg reported that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which accuses the SA-based company of repatriating dividends illegally, said that MTN shouldpay an annualised 15% interest until the country’s courts rule on the matter, and then 10% until the whole sum is paid.
MTN shares, which are down nearly 40% so far in 2018, fell 11% at one point on Friday, the most since September 4, the day after CBN deputy governor Joseph Nnanna was reported as accusing the company of having“flagrantly violated foreign-exchange” regulations. The shares were down 5% at R82.99 at 12.56pm on Friday.
The latest demands on MTN are in contrast to conciliatory comments made by CBN governorGodwin Emefiele, who said last month that the dispute would be resolved soon to the satisfaction of all parties.
On top of the slump in MTN shares, the dispute is also damaging Nigeria’s reputation as a destination for foreign investors. (BusinessDay SA)
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