Smarting from the successful listing on The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), MTN Nigeria Communications PLC has named former executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Engr. Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, OFR, as chairman of its board.
Dr. Ndukwe was the chief executive officer of the NCC who guided the Commission to conduct the globally acclaimed Digital Mobile Licence (DML) Auction in January 2001 during which MTN won the operating licence in Nigeria. That action also ushered in the beginning of the Nigerian telecom revolution.
Interestingly, the announcement in Abuja, Nigeria, on July 24, 2019 by the Executive Chairman of the MTN Group, Mr. Phuthuma Nhleko, of Dr. Ndukwe’s appointment as chairman designate also indicated that the appointment will take full effect on September 2, 2019; on that date, Engr. Ndukwe will turn 71 years – a special birthday gift, it would seem plausible to say.
The appointment of Engr. Ndukwe and some others comes with the naming of a new board for the MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, as the 18-year board, chaired by Dr. Pascal Dozie, CON, came to an end.
The company in a statement, informing the NSE of the new board changes, said it was in compliance with “applicable codes of Corporate Governance” that it was conveying the retirement from its board of Dr. Dozie, along with other members namely Col. Sani Bello (rtd), Chief Victor Odili, OON, Mallam Ahmed Dasuki, Messrs Babatunde Folawiyo and Gbenga Oyebode, MFR.
The statement signed by the Company Secretary, Uto Ukpanah, said it was pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ndukwe “as the Chairman Designate of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, and the addition of the following directors with effect from 2nd September 2019:
Mr. Michael Onochie Ajukwu and Mr. Muhammad K. Ahmad, OON both as Independent Non-Executive Director; Mr. Andrew Alli, former communications technology minister, Mrs. Omobola Johnson and Mr. A.B. Mahmoud, SAN (OON) as well as former chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mrs. Ifueko Okauru, MFR as Non-Executive Directors.
Other members of the board being joined by the new additions are Mr. Ferdinand Moolman, Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Rhidwaan Gasant, Independent Non-Executive Director; Mr. Ralph Mupita, Non-Executive Director; Mr. Paul Norman, Non-Executive Director; Mr. Jens Schulte-Bockum, Non-Executive Director; Group CEO of MTN, Mr. Rob Shuter, Non-Executive Director and Mr. Karl Toriola Non-Executive Director.
Acknowledging the vital contribution made by the outgoing Directors over the last 18 years, MTN Nigeria CEO, 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.”
On his part, speaking on behalf of the outgoing Directors Dr. 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 out-going 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.” The MTN Nigeria Communications Plc board expressed its appreciation to the six retiring 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.”