By Ogalla Daniel
The Director General of Kogi State Utility, Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency (KUIMCA), Dr. Isah Taufiq, has disclosed that MTN, is set to invest about ₦20 billion in the State.
Dr. Taufiq made this known while defending KUIMCA’s 2026 budget proposal before the Kogi State House of Assembly in Lokoja.
The KUIMCA boss announced that the major breakthrough will attract investment to the state, by the telecommunications giant.
He noted that the agency has successfully engaged MTN and commenced the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), adding that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has been consulted to provide technical guidance, while legal experts have been engaged to ensure proper documentation.
“MTN has started already. They are going to invest about ₦20 billion. We have begun the MoU process, and very soon we will put it into law. I will sign on behalf of the state,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the partnership would significantly strengthen telecommunications infrastructure in Kogi State, positioning it as one of the best in the country and beyond.
He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his continuous support to the agency, noting that KUIMCA has undergone significant reforms and repositioning under the current administration.
“The agency has been renewed and rejuvenated. We have turned around so many things,” he added.
He attributed the recent fluctuations in the agency’s revenue performance to prevailing national and global policy frameworks.
According to him, the revenue challenges experienced by the agency are largely a result of federal government and World Bank policies, which also align with broader global regulations.
He noted that the policies limit the extent to which state agencies can independently take certain actions, stressing the need for strategic adjustments.
“This is a federal government and World Bank policy. It is a worldwide issue, and there is little an agency can do without re-strategising. We will go back, study the policy again, and see how best to adjust,” he said.
Despite the constraints, Dr. Taufiq expressed confidence in the agency’s performance, noting that KUIMCA still ranks among the top-performing agencies when compared with similar agencies across states.
“We still performed brilliantly. If we are not number one after KJR, then we should be number two,” he stated.
“The agency has been renewed and rejuvenated. We have turned around so many things,” he added.
The KUIMCA Director General also appreciated members of the State House of Assembly and the media for their cooperation and support, pledging the agency’s continued commitment to transparency and effective service delivery.
