Business and commercial activities in Kogi State came to a standstill after the Kogi State Utility Infrastructure, Maintenance, and Compliance Agency (KUIMCA) shut down the office of major telecom provider MTN over alleged non-compliance with state regulations.

Dr. Taofik Isa, Director-General of KUIMCA, stated on Friday that MTN had been resistant to following the operational rules, particularly in regard to the state’s telecom network infrastructure. “Of all telecommunication network providers operating in the state, this single network provider has proved stubborn and refused to comply with rules guiding their operations,” he said.

The agency’s action stems from a dispute over the company’s reported fiber optics infrastructure. According to Isa, MTN initially claimed it had laid 134 kilometers of fiber in the state. However, an inspection revealed the company had actually installed 400 kilometers.

The shutdown has led to widespread disruptions, with numerous businesses, including banks, hospitals, and media outlets, facing significant challenges.

A manager at Zenith Bank in Lokoja revealed that the telecom shutdown had grounded both local and international transactions. “Our transactions were completely stalled during the week, and we might take legal action against the network provider,” the manager stated.

Hospitals in the state, including the Federal Teaching Hospital and Kogi Specialist Hospital, also reported severe setbacks, particularly with transmitting medical reports and lab results.

Media organizations with correspondents in Lokoja struggled to file reports due to the communication breakdown.

Despite the widespread impact, Dr. Isa emphasized that the shutdown would remain in effect until MTN fully complies with state regulations.

“We really sympathize with those affected by our clampdown on the network provider, but we shall not rescind our decision unless the network provider complies,” he said.