Despite deadline, Etisalat Nigeria still fighting to use brand name

In spite of the deadline given by Etisalat International for the Nigerian arm to phase out the brand in the country, Etisalat Nigeria says it is still negotiating to continue use of the name.

The Abu Dhabi-owned telecommunications networks had given Etisalat Nigeria three weeks to phase out the brand in the country, although it stated that it would still provide technical support.

Even as Nigerians were apprehensive over how the ultimatum would affect the telco’s services in the country, the firm has reassured that, even if there is a change of name, it would not affect its services to Nigerians.

Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Ltd (EMTS), which trades as Etisalat Nigeria gave the assurance in a statement by its vice president, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, EMTS, Mr Ibrahim Dikko, on Tuesday.

He said that the firm was not unaware of recent news reports in respect to Etisalat Group’s withdrawal of the right to the continued use of the Etisalat brand in Nigeria.

According to him, EMTS had a valid and subsisting agreement with the Etisalat Group, which entitles EMTS to use the Etisalat brand despite the recent changes within the company.

Read also: Consumer apprehension as Etisalat Nigeria heads for unknown future

He said, “Indeed, discussions are ongoing between EMTS and Etisalat Group pertaining to the continued use of the brand. EMTS will issue a formal statement once discussions are concluded.

“The final outcome on the use of the brand in no way affects the operations of the business as our full range of services remain available to our customers.”

Following it inability to fulfill its part of the agreement in the payment of $1.2 billion loan, the company was recently taken over by a consortium of 13 banks, led by Access Bank.

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