NCC insists that December 31 deadline for telecom giant's fine payment still stands

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December 31, 2015 8:30 AM

The spokesman for the Commission, Tony Ojobo is quoted as saying that “the deadline remains”, in a report

Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, NCC CEO/EVC

According to various media reports, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has insisted that MTN Nigeria must stick to the December 31 deadline to pay the $3.9 billion fine imposed on it by the NCC.

According to a Bloomberg report, the spokesman for the Commission, Tony Ojobo is quoted as saying that “the deadline remains”.

The NCC spokesman further added that the Commission will consult with its lawyers on the next step to take should the South Africa-based company fail to pay the fine.

READ: NCC urges court to dismiss telecom giant's case over N1.04 trillion fine

MTN Nigeria is already challenging the fine in a Federal High Court in Lagos, saying in the suit that the NCC does not have the power to impose such a fine on it.

MTN was fined by the NCC after it failed to meet a deadline to disconnect 5.1 million unregistered subscribers on its network.

Although MTN chairman, Phuthuma Nhleko has been said to be leading negotiations with the Nigerian authorities, Ojobo stated that he is unaware of any talks currently being held between MTN, the NCC, and the government.

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