Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, Thursday confirmed that MTN has paid N50 billion out of the N780bn fine imposed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for regulatory infractions.
MTN on Wednesday confirmed the payment, adding that it had also withdrawn the suit it brought against NCC.
The agency, however, responded that it was yet to receive the money.
But in a statement by Shittu’s Special Assistant on media, Victor Oluwadamilare, the minister said officials had communicated to him the receipt of N50bn payment by MTN.
“It has been confirmed that MTN Nigeria had indeed paid the said N50bn as a down payment of the N780bn fine, and had also withdrawn the court case against NCC.
“It made the payment pending further negotiation on the fine issue. We shall further inform Nigerians as the negotiation progresses,” the statement said.
MTN was fined N1.04 trillion last October by NCC for failure to disconnect 5.1 million improperly registered lines within the prescribed deadline.
