Despite a turbulent year for MTN's Nigeria operation, impacted by labour dispute and investigation into the alleged repatriation of US$13.97 billion, the mobile network operator has been identified as Nigeria's most valued brand by the 2016 Top 50 Brands survey.

In a statement MTN explains that the survey gauges brands based on the Brand Strength Measurement (BSM) Index, which uses basic qualitative factors to test the strength or weakness of a brand - including consumer's familiarity with the brand, quality elements a brand possesses, market/category leadership, innovation, spread and corporate social responsibility initiatives among others.

Leadership.ng reported that the mobile operator scored 90.1, which placed it ahead of Coca-Cola Nigeria (84.7) and Guaranty Trust Bank (81.8).

Allegations

In October this year MTN Nigeria CEO Ferdi Moolman responded to questions posed during a public hearing investigating the allegation that MTN Nigeria, together with four Nigerian banks, moved over US$13.97 billion to its parent company in South Africa between 20016 and 2016.

Moolman said the company did not intentionally flout Nigeria's laws regarding acquiring the relevant Certificates of Capital Importation (CCIs), adding that no dividends were declared or paid until the CCIs were issued and finalised.

During the same month the company was informed of a Senate decision to investigate the allegation that employee contracts were terminated without proper compensation following the network operator's decision to outsource its call centre services to ISON BPO Ltd.

At the time MTN Executive Amina Oyagbola, said: "MTN signed an outsourcing contract with ISON BPO Limited in 2015 following a competitive bid process. Indeed MTN's call centre operations were outsourced to independent third party agencies since 2008, as part of continued efforts to improve the efficiency and quality of customer service delivery in MTN. This is in line with global best practice for organisations in our industry."

In September ratings agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) lowered its long-term ratings on Nigeria from B+ to B on weak growth dynamics, with a stable outlook. MTN confirmed the downgrading and stated at the time that the sovereign downgrade reflected increased risk for MTN Group as MTN Nigeria is a significant contributor.

Network upgrades

The company announced the launch of 4G LTE service in Abuja, with plans for national rollout beginning in Abuja and Lagos, and has also recently committed to improving its network quality, data speeds and coverage across South Africa.

According to MTN Group CTIO Babak Fouladi MTN SA has doubled LTE throughput speeds in the last 18 months and rolled out an additional 4 500 LTE sites.

In response to MTN Nigeria's accolade, MTN Group Executive Chairman Phuthuma Nhleko, said, "Well done to our team in Nigeria. Being named the most valued brand is an honour for MTN, because it speaks to how we are viewed by customers and the impact that we have in their lives. In spite of recent difficulties, the MTN Nigeria team continues to focus on finding ways to enhance and brighten the lives of our customers and this acknowledgement is a positive reflection of these ongoing efforts."