The Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has reaffirmed the determination of the Federal Government to ensure that the interest of Nigerians is protected in the privatization of M-tel/NITEL.

He stated this yesterday in his office, when he received the management of Altimo (Alfa Group), a Moscow based Telecommunication Investment Company led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Alexey Kousmichoff. The company has declared interest to invest in M-tel/NITEL.

Dr. Jonathan who noted that land line telephony is more widespread and cheaper, said that the Federal Government will make M-tel/NITEL privatization very transparent. He noted that Government will only partner with foreign investors who have shown genuine competence and are financially capable of consummating the deal, while assuring that Government has created a safe environment for foreign investments to thrive in Nigeria.

Earlier, Mr. Kousmichoff assured of his company's capability and determination to improve telecommunication infrastructure in Nigeria. He said that his company will also work towards improving the existing relations between Nigeria and Russia.