MTN, Africa's largest mobile operator, has found itself in the cross hairs in Nigeria's volatile political and economic environment once again with the demand by the country's central bank to return as much as $8.1bn (R119bn) in dividends.Looming elections and a shortage of foreign exchange in the continent's largest economy have been singled out as reasons for the country's scramble to seek the return of the funds as it grapples with a currency that has slumped more than 45% over the past three years against the US dollar.Almost two years ago, MTN faced the prospect of one of the world's largest corporate fines in Nigeria, threatening the very future of the company, for failing to disconnect unregistered subscribers. Since that threat, which was eventually reduced significantly on the grounds that the company would have to list its operation, MTN's shares have plunged 47%.In comparison, Vodacom, which does not have a Nigerian presence, has seen its shares decline only 16%.Indust...

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