MTN Nigeria has said it did not expect any service disruption on its network as deadline for payment of N1.04 trillion fine, later reduced to N780 billion by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, expired yesterday.
The fine, which according to NCC, was against the inability of MTN to disconnect about 5.1 million subscribers allegedly not properly registered on its network in August and September 2015, was meant to be paid on or before December 31, 2015.
However, the Commission, also yesterday, said it would take fresh decision Monday, after confirming that MTN did not pay the N780 billion fine before the close of work on deadline day, December 31, 2015.
A reliable source at the Commission, said: “I can confirm to you that MTN did not pay the fine before close of work today (yesterday) and so the Commission will take a fresh decision on the issue Monday.
“The telecom operator actually went to court to challenge the fine and the Federal Government has also lined up very respectable lawyers, who also counter-sued the company.
“Both cases did not invalidate the fine, which means that MTN should have honoured the payment deadline. But having not done so, we are going to come up with a new decision on the fine by Monday.”
Reacting, MTN Nigeria’s External Relations Manager, Mr. Funso Aina said that “when a case is in court, there is a limit to the comments that could be made, suffice it to say that based on the lis pendens rule (pending legal action) all parties are enjoined to restrain from taking further action until the matter is finally determined.
“Notwithstanding the lawsuit, we will continue to engage with the Nigerian Authorities to try and ensure an amicable resolution in the best interests of the company, its stakeholders and the Nigerian authorities. We urge our customers not to panic as we do not envisage any disruption to our operations.” Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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MTN - onigbese
ReplyDeleteWhat then are waiting for, NCC? Don't you have access to the spectrum or whatever? Nigeria will keep being treated with contempt when we fail to act decisively. Shut them f*cking down!
ReplyDeleteSenseless Aboki. Go do it yourself. You bus drivers dont care about those who may loose jobs.
DeleteThose laid off will be reabsorbed by the other networks same way as banks. Besides, I foresee a national carrier coming on stream. They will all be reabsorbed. Learn to be patriotic, oga Andrew!
DeleteSo, you care so much for those that will be jobless? I can now really understand Nigerians mentality. A foreign company is ripping you and your country and all you could think about is people loosing jobs? Why don't you appeal to MTN to pay up the fine for the heinous crime committed. If you don't understand it, what MTN did gave criminals the lee way to commit crimes such as kidnapping or robbery since they the criminals can use unregistered Sim cards.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sonola. please, help me educate his abysmal ignorance. Ose jaare.
DeletePlease shut down mtn and multichoice let them all get the hell out of here
ReplyDeletePls, wen shall my fellow citizens develop d capacity to differntiate b/w longterm benefits from shorterm benefits?by doing such wit d right patriotism. The refusal of MTN to disconnect over 5.1m subscribers was a corporate greed that had cost us thousands of lives lost through comprised national security both in North East,kidnapping, & other crimes. A foreigner company wit its largest profit coming from d largest mkt in Africa is a let down on our Nigerian authority, by two continental super power contemdals.
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