MTN Nigeria has finally concluded it would not pay the N1.04
trn fine, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC imposed on it, for its
failure to disengage about 5.1 million improperly registered subscribers on its
network in August and September 2015 and has decided to challenge the NCC in
court. Not even the reduction of the fine to N780 billion last week by the
commission, could sway the telecommunications company.
Addressing its shareholders, yesterday, MTN said that “all
factors having a bearing on the matter have been thoroughly and carefully
considered including a review of the circumstances leading to the fine and the
subsequent letters received from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
“MTN Nigeria acting on legal advice has resolved that the
manner of the imposition of the fine and the quantum thereof is not in
accordance with the NCC’s powers under the Nigerian Communications Act.
Accordingly MTN has followed due process and has instructed its lawyers to
proceed with an action in the Federal High Court in Lagos seeking the
appropriate reliefs.
MTN is advised that in the current circumstances in line
with the lis pendens rule (pending legal action) the parties are enjoined to
restrain from taking further action until the matter is finally determined.
This is consistent with previous judicial decisions in Nigeria”.
The telecommunications company said that notwithstanding
this action, the company 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. The Nigerian Communications
Commission, NCC, last week reduced the N1.04 trillion fine it imposed on MTN
Nigeria to N780 billion. However, the commission also mandated the telecom
operator to pay the fine on or before December 31, 2015.
Source: Vanguard
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