Telecoms giant, MTN has said that the N1.4trn fine issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission is not within the powers of the commission under the Nigerian Communication’s Act.
MTN was fined for failing to disconnect unregistered users. In a statement to its shareholders, MTN vowed to challenge the NCC in court.
The statement read in part, “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 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 and therefore there are valid grounds upon which to challenge the fine.”
Nigeria is MTN’s largest market with more than 62m subscribers and sales of about $4bn annually.
