23rd September, 2010
Scores of subtrader Partners, STP, of MTN Mobile Communication recently went on the rampage over what they called slavery and exploitation.
The subtrader Partners who stormed MTN’s office on Araromi Street, Ikoyi, Lagos, came from different states which include Anambra, Lagos, Ekiti, Oyo, Yobe, Cross Rivers among others, carrying placards. Some of the them read: They Don’t Pay Us 25%, and No To High Call Rates.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, President of STP, Mr. Alaba Segun Obasanjo said “MTN tariff is too high compared to other networks. We are running at a loss. It is supposed to be a free market. If you are in Ikeja and you buy from a dealer in Ikeja, you cannot go to Lekki or Ikoyi to sell your cards or else you will be penalised.
“A recharge card of N100 is usually given to us at N96 and we give to those selling under umbrellas at the same price and they sell for N100 wich means their profit is 4% while our own profit from the dealer is 10% and we normally collect it at the end of the month.
“There are 19 dealers in Lagos State and you must belong to one. Just recently one of us made N600,000 at the end of the month. Can you imagine how many he must have sold? Even then, he has not received his money.
Most of these dealers have built houses and they ride exotic cars. We want 25% as they pay them in South Africa and Ghana.â€
The External Communication Manager, MTN, Mr. Andrew Okeleke said: “We have listened to their grieviances and we shall look into it.â€
—Oluwole Adeboye