Left to me, there was no need to sanction MTN —NCC boss

The executive vice chairman of the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Danbatta, on Monday said that left to him that the sanction which the body imposed on MTN Nigeria Communication Limited would not have been.

This was as he disclosed that MTN has so far paid N165 billion out of the N330 billion imposed on it by NCC.

Following allegation of irregular registration of subscribers, NCC in October 2015 imposed a fine of N1.04 trillion on MTN Nigeria, but reduced it to N330 billion after prolonged negotiations, with the mode of payment spread over a period of three years.

While hosting some MTN directors, who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Monday after a board strategy meeting, Danbatta told his visitors that left to him the fine would not have been necessary but that NCC had no option than to impose the sanction due to already stipulated rules.

“The whole idea of that exercise was not to bring MTN to its knees. We just wanted to ensure that it is not business as usual. More than the fine, we wanted to ensure that the rules of engagement are respected. That is all.

“Left to me, the sanction wouldn’t have been necessary but because the rules were there clearly stipulating what should be done in such a situation, the EVC did not have much option but to play by the dictates of the rules governing engagement in the telecommunications sector of the economy,” Danbatta said.

He appreciated the company for keeping to the schedule of payment, adding that MTN had made a total deposit of N165 billion and that the regulatory agency had received a cheque of N55 billion in the last two weeks.

“Part of the fine was paid in March. Not more than two weeks ago, we received a cheque for N55bn. So far, MTN has paid more than 50 per cent of the fine. That would translate to N165bn. The payment they are making is consistent with the terms of agreement we reached with them.

“There was an amicable settlement and agreement leading to the way the fine is being paid. So far, they have not reneged. This information should go out.

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Danbatta also spoke on the the 700 Megahertz spectrum acquired by MTN recently.

“I am delighted that you chose to have this strategic meeting in Nigeria. We always try to find pragmatic ways to engage with all operators, including the MTN.

“The National Frequency Management Council has accepted our recommendation that the 700 Megahertz spectrum that was assigned to you by a sister agency, the National Broadcasting Commission, (which has been on hold) should stay with you on condition that you use it for telecommunications services instead of broadcast services.

In their separate speech at the meeting, the chairman, MTN Group, Mr. Phuthuma Nhleko and the chairman, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Pascal Dozie, said it was because of the critical contribution of Nigeria to the MTN Group that the meeting was held in the country.

 

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