MTN Nigeria has described the COVID-19 pandemic as unlike anything seen in our lifetimes and is a reminder that we’re all more connected than we’ve ever been.
“To get through this we need each other – we need patience, understanding, compassion, and to do the right thing for each other. With that in mind, we wanted to reach out and share what MTN is doing in response.”, the company shared in a statement.
The company have been closely monitoring the situation and believes it is crucial that companies do two things:
- Help contain the escalating outbreak and
- Safeguard operations so that economies keep moving.
MTN understands the vital role its network and services play in supporting people, organizations and institutions nationwide.
Mindful of its responsibility – to keep Nigeria and Nigerians connected to the people they love and the information and technology they need, they have adjusted internal policies and made a few changes to how we serve our customers.
In the past month, MTN Nigeria implemented precautionary measures in its facilities nationwide, suspended all non-critical business meetings, travel and events and activated travel-related self-isolation protocols. They have also complemented the government’s sensitization drive, introduced rigorous cleaning measures and equipped team members with additional sanitation and safety products.
From Monday 23 March 2020, most of the company’s teams will begin working from home.
Nigerians have been assured that operations will continue running at full scale with essential staff working limited hours on-site.
As part of its response plan, in the coming days, MTN will introduce Y’ello care package – several new measures as part of a concerted effort to support our customers.
These include further amplifying governments sensitisation efforts – using more channels to deliver health and safety information, and suspending fees for all money transfers using our Momo Agent network.
“More plans are still ahead: they will announce the temporary closure of some of our stores. Those that remain open will operate reduced hours and maintain strict hygiene and social distancing measures,” the company stated.
These measures are designed to enable MTN to continue providing services that ensure Nigerians can stay connected while supporting national efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Given how rapidly the outbreak is evolving, the company expects and is prepared, to adjust its approach.
“We understand that our best hope is to work together and are committed to taking additional constructive steps to support the public during this challenging time. To this end, MTN continues to engage and is actively pursuing new ways to leverage our core expertise, technology and infrastructure to support the government’s efforts to keep citizens safe,” MTN shared.
Last week, MTN Group CEO, Rob Shutter, stated that with the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping through the world, one of the crucial necessities is “being good together” and recognizing that we need to work together.
“If we work together – telco operators, civil society, governments, officials, – in a spirit of partnership, that we will be able to get through this as quickly and with as least effect as is possible.”, Shutter explained
He shared four key themes that MTN Group has been working on: Playing the part in reducing the transmission of the virus; Keeping staff and stakeholders safe; Keeping the network up and running and Taking part in tacking difficulties in the society.
“I also wanted to touch a little bit on resilience… For MTN our businesses are in the best shape they’ve been in for a long time. Our balance sheet is strong, our gearing has come down, we have our asset realisation. So, we believe we are well placed, And yes, our share prices have been under pressure, but so too has the share prices of other telcos with exposure to oil-dependent economies, and even the big European multinationals as well.”
“Finally, it’s about being good together. So, this is MTN’s theme for this year, and it recognises that if we work together – telco operators, civil society, governments, officials, – in a spirit of partnership, that we will be able to get through this as quickly and with as least effect as is possible. So, I thank you all.” the CEO concluded.