The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, on
It equally debunked the mobile telecommunication company’s claim that it was persuaded to withdraw its lawsuit for both sides to reach an out-of-court settlement over a N780 billion fine imposed on MTN by the regulator.
MTN had disclosed yesterday that it was dropping its legal action against NCC, and was making a “good faith” payment of N50 billion to enable the two sides reach an amicable solution on the matter.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Ferdi Moolman, who disclosed this, said: “This is a most encouraging development. It demonstrates a willingness and sincerity by both parties to work together towards a positive outcome.”
Reacting to this claim, NCC’s Director of communication, Mr. Tony Ojobo told Premium Times that the commission was neither aware of MTN’s decision to withdraw its court case, nor its payment of $250 million (about N50bn) to the Nigerian government.
According to him, “We (NCC) are not privy to it (agreement to withdraw a case from court and pay $250 million by MTN). We do not have anything to do with it. We do not have any evidence of payment of any money to the Nigerian government. There is no invoice to that effect. We have also not gotten any official information or confirmation that they have withdrawn their case in court.
“That information is not from us (NCC). It is MTN that released it from South Africa. We have not gotten into any discussion on the modalities of payment of the fine. Whatever MTN is doing does not affect the fact that a regulatory fine was imposed and payment is expected,” he said.
The NCC spokesman, however, assured that the regulatory body’s management would meet later Thursday to review the report and take a decision that would be communicated to the public through an official statement.
“We have not even met to take a decision like that. There was no discussion whatsoever with NCC on the matter. MTN has not even met with the committee that was set to discuss these issues.
“On what basis was the agreement made? We do not know the basis on which they arrived at the $250 million they claim to have paid. For now, no official position on this. We are just hearing it in the news like every other person,” he explained.
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