FG to review MTN’s $6.2bn IHS acquisition — Minister
The Nigerian government plans to review MTN Group's proposed $6.2 billion acquisition of IHS Holding Limited, highlighting the critical role of telecommunications infrastructure in the country's economy and national security.
The Nigerian Federal Government has announced plans to undertake a comprehensive review regarding MTN Group's proposed acquisition of IHS Holding Limited for $6.2 billion. The government's decision comes in recognition of the strategic importance that telecommunications infrastructure holds for Nigeria's economic trajectory and national security. Such evaluations are critical in the context of maintaining the integrity and stability of telecommunications services in the country as they directly impact economic development and infrastructural resilience.
Communications Minister Bosun Tijani emphasized that the government's close monitoring of the situation is paramount, as the acquisition would result in IHS being delisted and fully owned by MTN Group. The review will scrutinize the implications this major corporate shift may have within the telecommunications landscape in Nigeria, particularly considering the rapid evolution of the sector and its vital role in enabling connectivity and fostering economic growth.
This acquisition represents a significant investment in Nigeria's telecommunications infrastructure, which is increasingly under scrutiny owing to its potential effects on competition and service delivery. With the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy actively engaged in this matter, stakeholders are encouraged to consider the broader implications for consumer access and the operational dynamics within the telecom space as the government weighs the merits of MTN's strategic move.