MTN

JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – MTN said it would re-engage the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) amid some confusion around the reduction of a fine the regulator has imposed for a failure to disconnect millions of unregistered subscribers.

On Thursday, MTN reported it received a letter, dated Wednesday, from the NCC (the First Letter) informing the company that, after considering its request, it had taken the decision to reduce the fine imposed on MTN Nigeria from the original N1,04 trillion (US$5,2 billion) to N674 billion.

However, it has emerged MTN has received a further letter from the NCC, dated Thursday (the Second Letter), which was stated to supersede the First Letter, informed the company that the fine had actually been reduced by 25 percent to N780 billion and not by 35 percent to 674 billion, as was
stated in the First Letter.

The payment date remained December 31.

“Neither the First Letter nor the Second Letter sets out any details on how the reduction was determined,” said MTN on Friday.

“The Company is carefully considering both the First Letter and the Second Letter, and the Executive Chairman Phuthuma Nhleko will immediately and urgently re-engage with the Nigerian Authorities before responding formally.”

The company stated it was essential to follow due process to ensure the best outcome.

It said all factors having a bearing on the situation would be “thoroughly and carefully” considered before the company arrived at a final decision.

NCC officials could not be reached for comment.

The fine it imposed on MTN Nigeria relates to the late disconnecting of 5,1 million MTN Nigerian subscribers in August and September 2015.

Senior officials at the Group’s Head Office in South Africa and its Nigerian entity have resigned over the laxity.

– CAJ News