Shake up in MTN, as company announces board changes

MTN Nigeria Communications PLC on Thursday announced major changes in its board, as former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe replaced the company’s outgoing chairman, Dr. Pascal Dozie.

In a statement by the MTN Company Secretary, Uto Ukpanah, the telecom giant said Dr. Dozie is retiring alongside five other Non-Executive Directors of its Board with effect from 2nd September 2019.

They are: Col. Sani Bello (Rtd), the Vice Chairman; Chief Victor Odili, OON, Non-Executive Director; Mallam Ahmed Dasuki, Non-Executive Director; Mr. Babatunde Folawiyo, Non-Executive Director; and Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, MFR, Non-Executive Director.

While acknowledging the vital contribution made by the outgoing Directors over the last 18 years, MTN Nigeria CEO Ferdinand Moolman said: “On behalf of MTN Nigeria, I would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to our pioneering Chairman, Pascal Dozie and the outgoing Directors. 

“Our journey over the last 18 years has been incredible, and it would not have been possible without the initial entrepreneurial spirit of our founding directors, and their unfailing and dedicated support for MTN Nigeria’s vision over the years. I could not have asked for a more supportive, knowledgeable and experienced group of advisors.”

Speaking on behalf of the outgoing Directors Dr. Pascal Dozie said: “In 2001, when I made the first call on the MTN Nigeria network, I don’t think anyone envisaged the pace and scale of growth that we, and the broader telecoms sector would achieve over the next 18 years. It is a unique story that we are immensely proud of.

“Having served as Chairman of MTN Nigeria for all of those 18 years, I achieved a long -held ambition earlier this year, when MTN Nigeria listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, providing an opportunity for a wider pool of Nigerians to become investors in the company. 

“I cannot think of a better time to be handing over the reins of the company to a new Chairman, and to a new group of distinguished Nigerian Directors. 

“Not only is this in line with best practice, which we are fully committed to as a member of the premium board of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, it is also absolutely aligned to the company’s future.

“On behalf of the outgoing Directors, I would like to thank the Board and Management of MTN Nigeria for their support over the years and to welcome the incoming directors. They have a hugely exciting future in front of them, and I believe, the opportunity to make the next 18 years even more successful than the last.”

According to Ukpanah, “the board of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc would like to express its appreciation to the six directors for their commitment, leadership and extensive contributions to the success of the Company since their appointment in 2002. The Board wishes them the very best in all their future endeavours.”

Similarly, he said the company is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Ernest Ndukwe as the Chairman Designate of MTN, and the following directors with effect from 2^nd September 2019.

They are: Mr. Michael Onochie Ajukwu – Independent Non-Executive Director;  Mr. Muhammad K. Ahmad, OON – Independent Non-Executive Director; Mr. Andrew Alli – Non-Executive Director; Mrs. Omobola Johnson – Non-Executive Director; Mr. A.B. Mahmoud, SAN (OON) – Non-Executive Director; and Mrs. Ifueko Okauru, MFR – Non-Executive Director.

With the changes, the Board will now be comprised as follows:

Mr. Moolman further welcomed the incoming directors, saying: “I also want to extend a warm welcome to the incoming Directors. The technology industry is fast -moving, and our next 18 years offer a wealth of new and exciting opportunities as a fully digital operator.

“Their combination of extensive experience across the worlds of technology, finance, regulatory and policy development and corporate governance offers a hugely synergistic set of skills that will be of great benefit to us as we move into a new phase of growth.”