A longstanding dispute over severance benefits between telecommunications giant, MTN Group, and its former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Ahmad Farroukh, is set to be resolved in the courtroom this month after unsuccessful attempts at reaching a settlement.
Mr. Farroukh had a distinguished nine-year career with the MTN Group, during which he served as the CEO of MTN Nigeria, MTN South Africa, and as the Group Chief Operating Executive (GCOE), overseeing 19 operations. His tenure was marked by significant milestones in growth and profitability, including the remarkable expansion of MTN Nigeria’s subscriber base from nine million to 40 million.
The dispute centers on Mr. Farroukh’s claim for end-of-service benefits, amounting to a seven-digit sum in dollars, which he believes he is entitled to upon his separation from MTN. Legal proceedings were initiated by Mr. Farroukh six years ago when an agreement could not be reached. However, the case has faced delays, with some sources suggesting that MTN might be intentionally prolonging the proceedings in an effort to deter Mr. Farroukh’s pursuit of justice through exorbitant legal costs or wearing him down.
The court case is now scheduled for October 16, 2023, with Mr. Farroukh’s steadfast commitment to securing what he believes is rightfully his drawing attention and support from fellow employees and industry observers. Many see this case as a test of MTN’s corporate responsibility and employees’ rights, highlighting the challenges individuals face when seeking equitable treatment upon exiting the corporate world.
Efforts to obtain comments from both Mr. Farroukh and MTN were unsuccessful at the time of this report. However, a source close to Mr. Farroukh affirmed his unwavering commitment to pursuing justice, regardless of the obstacles encountered.