MTN Group has announced it has closed its service centers and stores across Nigeria to guard against vandalization and attacks following the continuing fierce anti-South Africa protests in the West African country.
The drastic step was taken following the destruction of 4 MTN stores in Nigeria on 3 September 2019.
The group also disclosed that it had shut down some stores in Johannesburg as a result of the xenophobic attacks that took place in South Africa’s economic hub over the past several days.
A read by MTN reads, “MTN confirms that over the last day four MTN outlets in Nigeria have been the subject of attacks and we have had to close some stores in Johannesburg. There are no reported injuries. While we remain committed to providing uninterrupted services, the safety and security of our customers, staff, and partners is our primary concern. MTN’s stores and service centers in Nigeria have therefore been closed as a precaution.”
Below is the group’s full statement:
MTN Group stands against xenophobia and damage to property, closes stores in Nigeria as a precaution
MTN Group reiterates its stand against any form of xenophobia and damage to property and remains concerned about the situation in its markets.
MTN confirms that over the last day four MTN outlets in Nigeria have been the subject of attacks and we have had to close some stores in Johannesburg. There are no reported injuries.
While we remain committed to providing uninterrupted services, the safety and security of our customers, staff, and partners is our primary concern. MTN’s stores and service centers in Nigeria have therefore been closed as a precaution.
MTN is working with the relevant authorities and other stakeholders to focus on stabilizing the situation both in Nigeria and South Africa and to ensure the safety and well-being of all those impacted by the unfortunate violence. We are also looking at coordinating with key stakeholders to work on medium to long term interventions in this situation.
As a company, we remain committed to ensuring a peaceful, harmonious and respectful relationship with all our stakeholders across Africa.
