NSA to reportedly intervene in N1 trillion fine issue

folarin okunola

October 30, 2015 6:00 PM

The report states that the NCC has revealed that its quest to to deactivate pre-registered SIMs is as a result of the threat to national security.

Sifiso Dabengwa has resigned from his position as CEO of MTN Group

Various media reports suggest that the office of the National Security Adviser to the President may get involved in the N1 trillion fine issue which telecoms giant MTN is currently battling with the NCC over.

According to report by Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, the NCC has already handed a November 16 deadline to MTN Nigeria to pay the fine or risk even more severe sanctions.

The report further revealed that an unnamed source at the National Assembly said, “The matter is not one of witch-hunt as perceived in some quarters, rather the national security is paramount. Nobody is saying MTN should not do business, but no company is above the law. The Honourable members of the House of Representatives are resolute on the matter and might incorporate the office of the NSA to take up the case and justice will be done as soon as possible.”

When contacted for details on the matter, Mr. Tony Ojobo, director, public affairs at the NCC said he could not give details on the matter as at press time.

READ: 'Telecoms giant could lose license if fine is not paid' - report

However, the report states that the NCC has revealed that its quest to deactivate pre-registered SIMs is as a result of the threat to national security.

The Federal House of representatives during the week also passed a resolution to investigate all for major service providers as the scandal continues. The carriers will be investigated along with the claims of the NCC that the carriers have refused to comply with its directives.

The telcos to be investigated will be MTN Nigeria, Glo, Airtel Nigeria, and Etisalat.

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