MTN’s N1.04trn fine takes twists…>

The recent announcement of a $5.2billion (N1.04trn) fine issued against MTN early this week is taking several twists. The Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Wednesday reportedly said it was taking over the case from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Reports said the Presidency considers it as a national security issue for allegedly aiding insurgency by allowing unregistered subscribers.

NCC has also given MTN up to November 16, 2015 to pay the penalty or risk more severe sanctions, which may include suspension of license.

Equally, the management of MTN is reported to be opting for a review of it’s Nigeria management team following the fine.

These got netizens reacting as many believed this administration is heeding to the calls of telecoms subscribers.

Ibrahim Suleiman in his post commended NCC for the fine saying: “Very good. Send them out of this country. Don’t forget to also send DSTV out. …exploiters.”

Another commenter, Sani Baba Nasidi simply posted: “Excellent!!!

Still fearing the telco’s alleged recouping strategy, Emmanuel Ojonugwa Silas posted: “Trust me, customers will indirectly pay back!”

“Make sure they pay the fine,” posted Abdullahi Bayaro Ibrahim.

While Mohammed Hardo exclaimed: “N1tr - Wow!” saying it is much, another netizen Zakariya Ibrahim Imam argued that the fine is little. “It is too small,” he posted.