NEWS N1.4trn fine: No discussion yet with MTN, says NCC

Contrary to what MTN said on Monday, there was no talk between the telecoms operator and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over the N1.4trillion fine, Daily Trust learnt in Abuja yesterday.

MTN was sanctioned by NCC for failing to disconnect 5.2million subscribers with unregistered SIM cards on its network after expiration of the August deadline set by the regulator.

According to NCC, MTN would have to pay a penalty for keeping unregistered subscribers on its network.

But a senior NCC official confided in Daily Trust yesterday that the commission was yet to enter into any talk or discussion with MTN on the issue of fine.

The official who pleaded anonymity said the telecom firm was economical with the truth for saying “we are in talks.”

The NCC’s director of public affairs, Mr Tony Ojobo neither answered repeated calls made to his line nor replied to text message sent to him yesterday.

But when contacted an executive member of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) who pleaded anonymity said “A big legal tussle may be in the offing since the regulator has said it is not aware of any talk.”

But MTN’s Public Relations and Protocol Manager, Funso Aina told Daily Trust yesterday that the telecoms operator was in talks with NCC and the matter may be resolved soon.