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Why we allowed MTN’s N50bn down payment – Malami
The Federal Government, Monday, explained why it accepted part payment on the fine imposed on telecommunications company, MTN.
The Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, explained that government accepted the N50 billion down payment from MTN out of the N780 billion fine imposed on it by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, as a demonstration of good faith and willingness to enter into discussion with the government.
Malami also confirmed that the MTN had withdrawn the case it instituted against the Federal Government, adding that the two sides were ready for dialogue.
The minister also disclosed that government had insisted that the telecoms company pay a reasonable part of the fine before it could enter into discussions with it.
Read also: MTN fine: Senate alleges foul play, summons Shittu, Malami
Malami however said there was no underhand deal in relation to the ongoing discussion between the Federal Government and MTN.
“It was after we had confirmed that the company had deposited the N50 billion in a Federal Government recovery account that we granted them audience over the matter. I can also confirm that the case the company instituted against us has been withdrawn.
“The meaning of what has been done is that we have agreed to grant them audience. The matter is being considered and whatever is to be done will be made known to Nigerians and will be done in the overall interest of the country and nothing more,” Malami said.
The minister’s explanation came just as the Senate summoned him to throw more light on why the decision to allow MTN to pay ‘a paltry sum’ of the huge fine slammed on it into a Federal Government recovery account, thereby sidelining the NCC.
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